Rambling thoughts from the ole ball coach!
After hearing comments about pro racquetball players I have to say-
Many fans think players have a mental problems vs a particular player, because that certain player always wins, but I tend to think like this: Think that player has a mental problem? You play them for money and see how you do! It might be the other player is good. It might not always be a mental problem. It might be an execution problem. !”it is my experience that the top athletes who come to me often put themselves in a category. (You could say this about most athletes at all levels now that I think about it-and that includes me in my heyday!)
Mostly that category is qualifier or first round player. This self-limiting category hurts athletes mentally because they are doomed to be at the level they expect to be. Now admittedly it is often more than mental but to get above the pack you have to prepare to win. After that, you have to expect to win.
I think the athletes focus on mistakes and being perfect rather than winning. If you are skipping, raise your target area. If the ball is flying off the back wall, adjust and lower your target area. That sounds simple and it is, but pressure of winning, the adrenaline factor, and distractions often keep the athlete from thinking in the manner prescribed above. Work on it in practice and go for it.
And while I am on this topic………
The same can be said of athletes from Novice up. The hungry up and comers always think of themselves higher. Sand baggers, not so much. Those who persevere to improve have to face their weaknesses physically and then mentally and the fun really begins