By Todd Corbin
Is there a secret to handling pressure packed situations both on and off the field/court?
Years ago, I was standing on the 18th green at a high school golf tournament with a 20-foot putt and a chance for our team to advance in the competition. We were one of the last groups still on the course and as a result, there was a large crowd of players and coaches watching me from a distance. I walked around the hole to get perspective, and then went to my ball and lined up the putt.
A year earlier I had the lead after halfway through a junior golf championship only to succumb to the intense pressure and self-destruct on the back-nine holes.
Would this time be any different? Could I find a way to calm down and keep my focus?
CPR is a lifesaving skill that is used by first responders. I learned it in high school. When an athlete is facing a high-pressure situation, CPR can also be useful but in a different way. It isn’t usually a life-or-death matter for an athlete though having to sink a 20-foot putt for your team might cause many players or coaches to think that it is.
I noticed the extra eyeballs on me and felt that added tension in my body. I took a few deep breaths and a few practice swings next to my ball. I focused on the back of the cup and putted the ball toward the hole.
CPR involves a sequential process of Checking-in to notice how one is feeling in their mind and body, Pausing with a Breath to Release some of the tension, then Re-setting the actions you need to take to get set and finally Re-focus on what it is you are trying to do.
The ball was on line, but a bit bouncy on the green from all the previous players shoe spikes that were etched in the ground around the hole. The ball started slowing up and curling towards the right edge of the cup. With just enough momentum left, the ball fell in. There was a feeling of relief and elation. I had saved my team and myself.
The next time you face a pressure packed situation whether on the course or off, remember CPR. It may save your life!
CPR:
C: Check-in. Check in with what you are thinking in that moment, what you are feeling emotionally, then noticing the sensations in your body.
P: Pausing. With a full breath (or a few deep breaths)
R: Re-leasing the tension in your body
R: Re-setting the actions you need to take in your sport to get ready
R: Re-Focusing on your desired outcomes
Todd H. Corbin, CPC, is an avid runner and sports enthusiast, mindfulness teacher, motivational speaker, certified coach, and co-author of Mindfulness for Student-Athletes: A Workbook to Help Teens Reduce Stress and Enhance Performance. For more info visit, www.toddcorbin.com