The Anchor

Find a word, phrase, image, piece of music or positive experience that you can use whenever you want to feel more relaxed and composed. It will help you to refocus, feel re-energized and remain steady.

Given the intensity and speed of playing sports, along with the physical demands and emotional stress of playing in a game, there will be times during that game when you may need the "anchor". It is a visual or verbal cue to steady yourself when you feel like you are struggling to keep your head above the turbulent waters of a very competitive and emotionally challenging game.

During any practice or training session, when you begin to feel emotionally stressed out, frustrated, angry or afraid, visualize yourself lowering the "anchor" as you replay that special word, phrase, image or music.