What is peak performance? |29 October 2019

Peak performance is the result of great preparation and consistent peak performance is the result of consistent mental preparation.

Some coaches always conduct the best preparation when facing international competitions or reaching the finals.

In my opinion, great preparation shouldn’t be reserved for only the most important competitions during a season, yet many athletes prepare for regular season competitions differently than championship competitions. Why?

Preparation should be a habit. Approaching competition in the same way, no matter the significance of the game, is what leads to consistency and it is that consistency that produces top level performance.

In other words, it is nearly impossible for athletes to flip a switch and perform at their peak suddenly at the end of the season. End-of-season performances are a culmination of all the preparation undertaken throughout the season.

One area of preparation that changes the most between regular season and championship season is mental preparation. Many times, athletes start visualising and learning mental strategies to improve focus when champions roll around.

You cannot reap the benefits of mental preparation unless you consistently dedicate time throughout the season to improve your mental game.

Inconsistent preparation causes athletes to fall short of their goals.

Great preparation is the approach of each time the team gathers together, no matter if it is practice, training, film sessions or games.

Treat every game with the same amount of importance. Every game should be a championship game in your mind, especially as the league starts.

Every game from here on out, in your eyes, should be a final. Every game matters. It’s a championship mentality, every time you come out you come out to compete. Continue working regardless of your opponent, worry about us… Any bit of mental prep you can do to add an advantage to your game, that’s what you are going to do.

As you see, there is more to preparation than physically showing up for practice. You need to be focused during practice and training sessions. If you are not focused in practice, you will lose focus in competitions.

If you do not push past comfort zone and go all out in practice, your effort will suffer in competition.

If you do not mentally prepare and work to develop your mental skills, you will lack the mental toughness necessary to overcome obstacles and perform at your peak.

If you are not ready each and every game and prepared as if it was a championship level competition, you will continue to produce inconsistent performances.

Consistency and peak performance are the products of your preparation habits. Develop sound preparation habits and you will be able to rely on those habits to produce peak performance on a continual basis.

Preparation and Peak Performance:

The key is to ask yourself: “What would I do if my championship competition was in two weeks? How would I get ready to perform at my best?”

And mental preparation for competition is the most important after all the training is completed.

Mental preparation includes entering the role of athlete, fueling your confidence, focusing on one step at a time, and preparing to trust in your skills.

Remember, consistent preparation leads to consistent performance. Be consistent from the start in 2020.       

Maurice Denys

Certified Mental Coach (CMC)

S.N.H.S. Dip (Sports Psychology)

S.N.H.S. Dip (life coaching)