Open, Pro play observations:
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)-that includes me in my heyday!)
Mostly that category is qualifier. This self-limiting category hurts athletes mentally because they are doomed to be at the level they expect to be. Now admittedly it is more than mental. Many fans think players have a mental problem vs a particular player when those of us in the know tend to think like this: think that player has a mental problem? You play them for money and see how you do! It might not be mental.
Back to the qualifying athletes. To get above the pack you have to prepare to win. After that, you have to expect to win. Not play perfect, but win. I think the athletes focus on mistakes and being perfect rather than winning in tournament play and worse, in practice play they focus on winning. It should be the opposite: practice to get better, not win, and play tournaments to win, not get better!!
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 but sooner or later they hit the wall. When they do hit that barrier, the fight or flight syndrome takes over. Those who persevere to improve have to face their weaknesses physically and then the mental struggle begins. Hope this helps some of you out there in racquetball land!