How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 430
Dr. Loehr suggests that a young player should have many short, concise
cue words that accompany forehand, backhand, crosscourt, overhead,
and down-the-line shots. These words might be as simple as saying out
loud, "footwork, position, footwork." These reminders, over time,
become internalized so that the athlete never thinks about the
placement of feet in relation to timing of the racket swing. It becomes
automatic and programmed into the neuromuscular response.
Different kinds of self-talk and affirmation are geared to the nature of
the sport or physical activity. During a marathon race, for example,
Olympian Moore would have used a different set of strategies than
tennis star Sampras would during his match. A runner, for instance,
may choose the word "steady" or the phrase "keep your pace" during
races. Likewise, Olympic champion diver Greg Louganis would have
used different self-talk reminders than two-time Olympic medalist
figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. One athlete might have the luxury of
pausing, reflecting, and conducting the self-talk and affirmation
imagery, while another may have to use continuous talk and
affirmation strategies. Concentration and control may not vary
according to the sport, but timing and implementation do. (In Part
Three of this book, you'll find examples of sport-specific self-talk and
affirmation. )
Self-Confidence through Self-Talk
You can use self-talk and affirmations to correct improper form and bad
habits in a number of sport-related movements. Consider tennis
doubles great Gigi Fernandez, who struggled with staying focused,
disciplined, and on top of her game during her professional career. She
was notorious for inconsistent hitting, poor shot selection, and erratic
serves and volleys. Julie Anthony, PhD, her former coach and a former
tennis pro, designed specific self-talk exercises on a computer that
helped Fernandez stay cool, relaxed, and in control of her game. Using
verbal cues to remind Fernandez to stay loose in the knees and relaxed
with her forehand shot and during follow-through on her overhead, Dr.
Anthony set in motion a series of self-improvement exercises that
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