1. Peak Performance: Three Keys
Robert Swoap, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Sport & Clinical Psychologist

2. Gratitude…

3. Peak Performance in Elite Athletes: Three Keys
Vision
Routine
Presence

4. 1. Vision Vision/goal-setting Flexibility demo
process, Process, PROCESS
Growth / Pursuit of excellence
Purpose (bigger than yourself)
Also… not just positive imagery.
Use mental contrasting: Imagine potential barriers and specifically plan for how one will overcome them.
WOOP
Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan

5. Posterior Cingulate Cortex
2. Routine
Establish routines for practices and for games: Get into the right mindset
Helping to quiet the internal chatter
Posterior Cingulate Cortex

6. 2. Routine
First, I need to make five shots from five different spots in the mid-range area.
Then, I need to make three spot-up three-pointers, three transition three-pointers and one three from five spots around the arc.
After that, I do a couple of pin-downs from each side, and then I’ve got to make three in a row from each baseline corner. I start at the top and run to the corner. I’ve got to make six total.
I don’t adjust my routine to the opponent. I try to make the defense adjust to me

7. 3. Presence Focusing and staying in the moment
Mastering the moment when difficulties arise

8. 3. Presence (Mastering the Moment)
Mindfulness training: Improves attention and focus

9. 3. Presence (Mastering the Moment - II)
Mindfulness training: Improves attention and focus

10. Mastering the Moment: Resilience in practice
Runner’s World Podcast. 46:35”

11. Neuroscientist Amishi Jha & her colleagues asked if mental toughness and resilience can be trained in collegiate football players (in just four weeks).
Results suggest that just like physical training, practice is key for mental training. Jha’s team found that greater practice and adherence in a mindfulness training program led to more stable attention and fewer attentional lapses in football players (and more positive emotions).

12. 3. Presence
Mindfulness training leads to resilience: Ability to bounce back from adversity

13. Resources to learn presence, focus, and mindful meditation
Goal: Tactical breathing, and cognitive behavioral training to foster full presence and conviction in the moment
Getting started with mindfulness 
(from mindful.org)

14. Thank you! Vision Routine Presence www.robertswoap.com
(sport psychology blog)