Pre-tournament confidence tips?

Cricket CoachCoach

Try not to put blame on a single person if you lose a match, tell your team mates that, its the team's fault not a single person's, so that the person wont feel guilty and can move on and play next match well Always have a word with the team before the match and always tell the fielders their fielding positions as it would save a lot of time. Even when you get a low score or bowl badly keep your head up you have a team to captain. Research each and every ground and player of the opposing team thoroughly before a series : to ensure no set of circumstances can catch you off guard and to make sure that no player shows you up as ill-prepared.

Even if your team have lost a 5match series 4-0, still play the fifth one with full confidence and motivation and never give up. Learn from your mistakes committed in previous matches and use them to your advantage in future matches. Support your team no matter what. Be there for them. Don't blame one person when something goes wrong because it's every one's fault.

Always think you are the second best team in the world even though you are ranked first in the ranking. This will help you to win lot of matches. Always be fair to your players to avoid player-led rebellions against you. Always be cool while playing.

Rashed IqbalCoach, Bangladesh

The mental qualities required for most sportsmen/women are: Be calm under pressure Control of their emotions Be Confident Mentally alert Be Positive

How do you know if you’re in the ‘ideal mental state’ to perform?

• You’re relaxed although your adrenaline level is high
• You feel a little nervousness but with a sense of calmness and confidence
• Your decisions will be made spontaneously without conscious thought process as you will have a strong belief in your ability.
• You feel as if you are in the right place at the right time
• You maintain concentration and have an awareness of what is happening around you
• You maintain control over your emotions and not become tense, therefore remain in total control of yourself and the game

What skills will help to reach the ideal mental state?

• Relaxation - Taking a few moments to gather your thoughts and focus
• Concentration - Not losing focus of the game and holding concentration throughout
• Visualisation
• Emotional control - Focus at all times – be positive!
• Attitudes -  Control your behaviour, if you think you can you will, if you think you have to be the best then you won’t be…… be the best you can be!
• Awareness
• Affirmations

Pre-match mental preparation you should:

• Prepare yourself mentally for anything which could happen during the game.
• Do a little mental rehearsal every day; see yourself performing in an ideal mental state.
• Don’t become anxious about your nerves, you will need an adrenaline flow for the game, so look forward to the ‘buzz’.
• Anticipate that you will enjoy the game, you are going to perform well, you are going to be in control, and you’re going to handle any situation that arises.
• Stop unhelpful thoughts and focus on what you can do.
• Manage emotions – listen to calming music
• Maintain composure
• Refocus to task
• Have a positive mental attitude

Now go and enjoy your game!

Ian MarshCoach, England

Hi Rashed, visualisation is a great technique all your players can use as was mentioned above by yourself above.

This article covers the topic very nicely:

The Telegraph: Sports visualisation: how to imagine your way to success