The Power of being fully present in sports: WHY ACTIVE LISTENING AND CONCENTRATION matter
In sports, focus isn’t just for the field—it’s also essential when your coach speaks. Are you fully present when your coach talks strategy or gives feedback? Or are you thinking about the next move, the post-game plans, or worse, assuming you already know everything?
Here’s the truth: You don’t know if you already know, what you don’t listen to!
Active listening looks a small detail, but it can make a big difference.
Here’s how to master it:
1️⃣ Fully listen, absorb and be concentrated: When your coach talks, stop fidgeting and tune in completely. Being still helps your mind focus on what’s being said. Your concentration at this moment can “Make or Break your Performance“- watch this video from dr Alan Goldberg.
2️⃣ Execute: Listening isn’t enough—apply the feedback and strategies you receive to your game.
3️⃣ Be present: Avoid distractions. Don’t dwell on what you should have done earlier or what’s next. Stay in the moment to truly absorb and execute.
⚠️ Why it matters:
- In team sports, missing instructions means penalizing not only yourself but your team too!
- In individual sports, if you can’t focus for a few minutes on your coach’s advice, how will you stay mentally sharp during long matches?
🛠 Practical tip: Treat active listening as a training tool. Just like physical drills, practice being fully present in every interaction with your coach.
🌱 Final thought: Staying focused when receiving instructions is a skill that builds better athletes. Remember: You can’t improve without truly hearing what’s being shared
