Energy management can be the difference between winning or losing at every level of competition. Research shows that athletes are at a great advantage if they know what energy level works best for them.

Many mental mistakes can be attributed to mismanaged energy levels, and athletes feeling too flat or too anxious.

READY TO PERFORM

ENERGY LEVELS

FIND YOUR LEVEL TO GET into THE ZONE

Low Energy

When they can't get fired up enough to focus solely on performance.

There may be other factors you can't control that become a distraction.

Athlete lacks the intensity to battle tough opponent.

Optimal Energy

An athlete is in the "zone" for optimal performance.

They are rested and focused on the goal in front of them.

Optimal energy levels are different for different players, and performers

Too Much Energy

The athlete feels too wired, nervous, and tense to perform complicated skills

Excessive thinking and anxiety interrupt normal processing in the brain

The brain is drained of energy it needs to perform

MANAGING YOUR ENERGY

BRING UP THE ENERGY

Listening to upbeat music
- Laughing with teammates
- Getting to work on a new skill
- Focusing on process goals
- Warming up in front of a crowd
- Dancing with teammates to a
favorite song
- Using positive self-talk

ENERGY TAKERS

Eating too heavy of a meal before practice
- Taking a nap
- Having a lot of homework or a test
the next day
- Not arriving on time/feeling rushed
- Trying hard in warm-up than usual
(wasting energy)
- Feeling too relaxed
- Deep breathing