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How does a motocross racer break through the mental barriers that keep him or her from performing up to their true potential? A sports psychologist can assist an athlete in focusing on mental strategies necessary to achieve goals and develop consistent performances. How does a racer develop self confidence, stay focused and remain composed under pressure?
Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D, founder of Peak Performance Sports (www.peaksports.com), says “Some people falsely believe they must first master perfect technique or have dialed in equipment before they can work on attitude, mindset or mental skills. My philosophy is that you cannot separate the mental from the physical when it comes to performance. Decisions, thoughts, images and feeling are what drive motor behavior.”
Let’s face it, motocross is a tough sport. It is inherently dangerous and both physically and mentally demanding. Many racers, especially those coming up through the amateur ranks, are self-conscious and worry about what others think. They have doubts about their ability, get anxious before the race and can’t think straight. Fear of failure and being easily distracted and frustrated are not uncommon.
Dr. Cohn’s formula for success is to identify the racers expectations and replace with manageable objectives and high self-confidence. He develops a motocross practice, pre-race mental preparation, and post race assessment for each racer.
Rodney Womack, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) (www.motoxfitness.com), says “If you plan on being a professional motocrosser (or just moving up a class), then you need to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. In conjunction with developing your physical fitness, you need to develop your ability to concentrate (focus), attitude, mental toughness, and riding skills.”
It is difficult to race well without a high level of self-confidence. A racer’s ability to get into a “flow” on race day and perform effortlessly, trusting his or her instincts, will help to maximize their race results. Sports require a balanced emotional level. The key is to be excited to race but not over excited, intense but not too intense, ready to race, but not overanxious to race. Great racers have the ability to focus their mind in the present moment.
Lastly, you truly have to have fun with your racing to become a success.
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