A Key to Elevating Your Hockey Game
“Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.” – Saadi
As a young hockey player, you know the rush of excitement when you’re on the ice playing the game you love. The adrenaline, the fast-paced action, and the desire to win can sometimes make patience seem like a distant concept. However, mastering patience can be a game-changer in your performance. Here’s how you can understand impatience and create patience during games and practices to perform at your best.
Understanding Impatience
Impatience often arises when things don’t go as planned. Maybe you missed a shot, a teammate made an error, or the game/practice isn’t progressing as quickly or as you’d like to go. Noticing this feeling is the first step to managing it. Impatience can drain your energy and focus, leading to errors and frustration.
Practical Tips to Cultivate Patience
1. Practice Mindfulness and Being Present
Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment without judgment. When you’re on the ice, practice being fully present; in the now. Pay attention to your breathing, the sounds, and the movements around you. This helps you stay grounded and prevents your mind from dwelling on past errors or worrying about future plays.
How to do it:
- Before a game or practice, take a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath.
- During breaks, do a quick noticing check-in with yourself. Are you present or is your mind wandering in the past or future?
2. Recognize Impatience Without Judgment
When you feel impatient, take a moment to acknowledge it. Notice your thoughts and emotions without judging yourself for having them. This awareness helps you create space between your feelings and your actions.
How to do it:
- When you notice impatience, silently say to yourself, “I’m feeling impatient right now.”
- Observe where you feel it in your body. Is your heart racing? Are your muscles tense?
3. Take Deep Breaths
Deep breathing is a powerful tool to calm your mind and body. When you feel your energy levels dropping or impatience rising, take a few deep breaths to reset.
How to do it:
- Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale through your mouth for a count of four.
- Repeat this process a few times until you feel calmer.
4. Visualize Staying Focused and Composed
Visualization is a technique used by top players to improve performance. Imagine yourself managing challenges with calm and focus. Visualize making smart plays, communicating effectively with teammates, and staying composed under pressure.
How to do it:
- Before a game, close your eyes and visualize different scenarios where you stay patient and perform well.
- Picture yourself responding calmly to errors and quickly getting back into the game.
5. Remind Yourself of the Present Moment
The present moment is where your power lies. Constantly remind yourself that the current shift you are on is what matters most. Accept the moment as it is without trying to force a different outcome.
How to do it:
- Use a mantra like “I am present” or “Now is my time” during the game to bring your focus back to the present.
- When things don’t go as planned, take a breath and remind yourself that each shift is a new moment, and anything is possible.
Patience is a skill that takes practice, but its impact on your performance can be great. By putting into practice mindfulness, recognizing impatience without judgment, deep breathing, visualizing focus, and reminding yourself to stay in the present, you can create patience on and off the ice. As you develop this skill, you’ll find yourself playing with more composure, making effective decisions, and ultimately enjoying the game more.
Remember, hockey is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. By mastering patience, you’re giving yourself a powerful tool to elevate your performance and show up as the most effective player you can
be.
