Just about every player goes through a time when they are not performing up to their usual level. Slumps can be extremely frustrating and confusing. Use the following suggestions to help you and your team break out of and avoid slumps.
1. Find the real cause of the slump.
Remember that while a majority of slumps are likely due to mental factors,
not all slumps are mental. Sometimes slumps can be caused by mechanical
changes, physical fatigue, or using different equipment. Take some
time to assess your mechanics, training schedule, diet, sleep, physical
health and equipment. Be sure to consider these causes before assuming
that the problem is all mental.
2. Trying smarter often works better than trying harder.
Too often athletes think that trying harder will get them out of a
slump. They use the same ineffective strategy with even greater intensity.
This approach only makes the problem worse. Consider this analogy
- if a key does not fit into a lock, trying harder to force it in is not
going to help. Instead the key to breaking out of slumps
is often in trying smarter. Usually, it is better to take a step
back, assess the situation properly with the help of your coach, and make
some minor adjustments. Ironically, trying ìsofterî rather than harder
is often the best way to break out of slumps.
3. Focus on the process instead of the outcome.
Many times slumps result when players and coaches become overly obcessed
with outcomes - i.e. winning or statistics. Hitters start pressing
because they think too much about their batting averages and shooters start
guiding the ball because they are worried about their shooting percentages.
Remind yourself to focus on doing the little things that will lead to the
outcomes you want. Instead of focusing on hits in softball/baseball,
focus first on seeing the ball well. Instead of focusing on your
scoring average in basketball, focus on using screens to get closer and
better looks at the basket. Remember, when you take care of the process
of performing, the outcomes will usually take care of themselves.
4. Stop thinking and start trusting.
Finally, slumps are often caused by too much thinking and not enough
trusting and reacting. Athletes in slumps tend to think too much and end
up suffering ìparalysis by analysis.î Too much thinking gets in the
way of execution. To clear your mind, try taking a deep breath or
humming a tune to yourself. Humming a tune will help you relax and
occupy your mind on the song and away from critical, analytical thinking.
Trust yourself and your abilities.
Slumps can be one of the toughest adversities for athletes and coaches
to overcome. Be patient as you try the previous suggestions and soon
you will be back on track.