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There are a few sports that experience true momentum which flows back and forth. Sports such as tennis, basketball, hockey, and football are some of the examples were momentum not only important but can change a whole game. In these sports both individuals on the team have opportunities to both change momentum keep momentum and lose momentum based on the decisions they make and how they respond to troubling and positive situations. Even if there is coach involved it is important that the players understand when momentum is shifting and when it’s time to make a change.

 

In a sport like tennis, the individual player has much more control over their momentum and the whole momentum of the match. Because of all the breaks in play tennis players can speed up slow down the pace of play to match their needs of actual momentum. In a team sport individuals have to communicate with each other as well as a coach to make sure that they are doing their best to control the pace of play and momentum that fits with whether they are winning or losing. There are a couple common ways to control the pace of play and momentum in any sport.

If you are winning:

• You can speed up the pace of play and make the opponents make changes and decisions faster. While this may work in tennis, in sports that have a time limit slowing down the pace may be more beneficial to momentum control. This is due to the opponents perception of time running out to activate quicker and more aggressive decisions.

If you are losing:

• You may take your time, slowdown, and try to stay relaxed in order to forge a comeback. In team sports that use a clock, once again you may do the opposite and pick up the pace. For example, in football teams will sometimes go into the no huddle offense to change the momentum of the game.

Those who are able to recognize momentum changes within the situation are more likely to be successful when attempting to controlling momentum. While games are not simply won and lost by momentum they can have an impact on the results. Learning to recognize momentum changes when devising situational plans will allow you to play a much higher level than trying to force your way through situation.

While this might seem confusing the key point is to EVALUATE the situation appropriately and be aware of how momentum may affect you.

For more information about mental performance as well as overall athletic performance enhancement check out our websites. The links are on the right of the page.

Tags: control, evaluate, momentum, situational