The CSGA Links Volume 5 Issue 1 April 2017 | Page 20

PSYCHOLOGY Preparedness – Elite athletes are prepared on every level (i.e., physical, psychological, technical, strategic) regardless of whether they are practicing or competing. They possess a superior sport specific intelligence, and always set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals. Visualization/Imagery – Elite athletes are committed to using visualization and imagery as a critical component of their preparation both prior to and during competition. All of the characteristics described above are skills that, like any other, can be practiced. In the same way a golfer invests time working on technical aspects of their swing, similar investments of time can be made, for example, working on arousal regulation. Finding the optimal level of arousal that works for you is critical to playing your best. As explained by the Yerkes-Dodson Law (see graph), if your level of arousal is too low, you experience boredom and apathy, and performance suffers. If it’s too high, anxiety, stress, tension, and impulsivity emerge, and performance suffers. The goal of arousal regulation is to find the “zone of optimal functioning”, or the peak of the curve. One of the most effective ways to practice regulating physiological arousal is to grow your awareness of your breathing. Tom Watson famously said, “I didn’t learn how to win until I learned how to breathe.” Breathing tells us quite a bit about our level of arousal. Slow deep breathes may indicate under arousal, while fast shallow breathing often indicates over arousal. Once you become aware of your breathing, adjustments can be made in either direction. Pick up your walking pace if you notice yourself feeling disinterested, and slow things down if you’re feeling anxious or stressed. As you prepare for the season, I encourage you to read through the list above and assess where you feel your strengths and weaknesses lie within each of the eight psychological characteristics. Choose one or two of them you feel are particularly challenging for you and commit to working on those areas throughout the year. I have no doubt that if you do, you will see positive results, lower score, and increased enjoyment of the game. Dr. Josh Brant is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Sports Performance Coach who has worked with golfers at all levels including professionals, collegiate, and high ranking amateurs. Feel free to contact Dr. Brant at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @drjoshbrant @drjoshbrant 20 | CSGA Links // April, 2017 [email protected] www.csgalinks.org