How to Make Practice Really Count

If you have been a competitor for a while, then you have probably heard the phrase ‘Practice makes perfect’.  There is actually a greater truth: Practice Makes Permanent!

A great quote from a well-known football coach, Vince Lombardi, is “Practice does not make perfect.  Only perfect practice makes perfect.”

However you view it, the things we practice, both physically and mentally, are the things we condition ourselves to recreate.  Those are the things that will come out in the moments of competition.  So, what can you do to really make practice count?  How can you practice in a way that is focused, efficient, and will truly prepare you for competition?  Especially when a lot of practice is just repetitive (even maybe boring) training!

Here is a great technique: 

Act like it is a competition by creating competition moments in practice.  I know that sounds easy, but how many times do you really approach training like a high pressure competition? When working with athletes one thing I hear a lot of is getting nervous and trying to handle pressure.  A great way to be ready for that is to try adding some pressure or challenge to your practice sessions

Pro golfer Phil Mickelson would end every practice by forcing himself to make 100 3-foot putts, in a row.  He would start to feel that incredible pressure on the last putts, because he knew he would have to start over if he missed!  He has even said there were times he was putting long into the night.  He was REHEARSING dealing with, and performing under, pressure.  

Some basketball players shoot free throws with teammates or family members shouting and trying to distract them.  I’ve known of others that if they don’t hit a certain goal or standard, then they run sprints.

These are just some ideas, but think about ways you or your team can apply challenge or pressure during training.  Having those skills rehearsed and ready is going to give you a huge advantage over other competitors.  Hard work pays off, but smart, focused hard work is what makes tough competitors.

Remember: Winners Win in Advance

Decide what will be most resourceful for you, and make it a habit.  If you or your athlete is getting nervous or even buckling under pressure and difficult emotions during competition, let’s set up a time to talk.  Getting those skills integrated the right way, with the right techniques and mindset, can make all the difference in the world.  The Mental Toughness difference.

If you would like a couple of great tips for performing under pressure, sign up for my “Top Performance Hacks for Performing Under Pressure”.  You can sign up at the top of my Home Page.

All the best,
Gregg Pruett, The Mental Toughness Trainer