An A.D. that I met with recently discussed how one of their best basketball players always played safe. She was the safe athlete.
Athletes who play safe are the new normal
On one hand, the point guard made few mistakes and played consistent. However, the point guard also held back and never “took over a game.”
They lacked mental toughness…
At a swim meet yesterday, I spoke with a swimming coach who remarked how one of his swimmers never “went for it” and reached her potential.
The “Safe” athlete is the new normal.
- From helmets used in soccer,
- face-masks for “fielding,”
- and mouth guards galore,
We are overly concerned for our athletes “safety.” In some cases, this is justified. However, when it comes to playing our best, the safe athlete doesn’t cut it.
Athletes who play safe are afraid of messing up.
They know that they can play it “safe” and not get judged too harshly, or risk defeat through their play. The mental toughness needed to put oneself “out there” simply does not outweigh the risk of defeat.
At some point, these athletes were judged too harshly on their mistakes and they were not allowed to fail! In turn, the safe athlete quickly discerned to just “not mess up.” The reality is that sport and life is all about failure, we are going to have setbacks more than we are going to win, and this is the process.
A huge part of the game is the unknown, the feeling of putting yourself against another of equal or more ability and seeing what happens. This feeling is nervousness, excitement, and anticipation. It is uncomfortable, but the only way to achieve success is to be comfortable, being uncomfortable.
Unless athletes who play safe are allowed to fail and know they are “safe” OUTSIDE of the sport, they won’t risk it, and put it on the line IN their sport.
The A.D. had a heart to heart with the athlete, and told the point guard she wasn’t reaching her potential and that she would later regret it. That one talk and coaching session changed everything and now the point guard plays with a passion and patience unafraid to fail.
Confidence and Focus: An Unbeatable Pair For Your Mental Toughness
“Show me an athlete who is afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you an athlete you can beat every time.” –Lou brock
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
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