1. Psychwrite #14:
Date: 1 pt Copy question: 1 pt Answer (in at least 3-5 lines): 3 pts Describe an example of when focus might be absolutely imperative for success in your sport/performance area.

2. Focus Controlling Distractions Routines The Zone
Focus Factors
Focus
Controlling Distractions
Routines
The Zone
Focus Pre-Test

3. What is Focus?
“My thoughts before a race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you will win … channel your energy. Focus.”
Carl Lewis
(10 time Olympic medalist)

4. Possible Consequences for Losing Focus
Choking
Performing below your ability level
Experiencing fear, panic, or anxiety
Getting “psyched out”

5. Focus is Concentration
Paying attention to ONE thing
Not being distracted
Concentration for the duration of the competition
10 seconds
1 hour
3 hours
Become totally absorbed, blocking out all other distractions

6. Selective attention
Selectively concentrating on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other things
Consequence?
Inattentional blindness: “Do the test”
Change blindness
Darren Brown
Good focus means you are in the right mental TIME and the right mental PLACE.

7. The Right Time How do you handle disruptions?
Mind must only exist in the NOW
If you make a mistake …
Present
Moment-to-Moment
Right Time
How do you handle disruptions?
Roger Federer & the ball girl
Swiss tennis player, one of the best tennis players of all time.

8. The Right Place http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56syKDjxgLw
Mind must only exist HERE
Ignore distractions
Crowd
Friends
Boy/Girlfriend
School
Work
Family
Control your eyes and ears
Let’s Practice!

9. Stay in the HERE and NOW! Handout-Ways to Improve Focus when:
not in performance setting
in your performance setting
you need to regain your focus
Assignment: Focus Log

10. Focus…Zero in

11. Focus Drills
When listening to someone speak, try to clear your mind of everything and connect fully with what the person is saying. Do this for short periods, then gradually increase the time.
What did you do for….?

12. Focus drills
Work on holding your focus on something (looking at on object) for short periods, then gradually increase the time.

14. Write a reflection on your notecard about your experience.
What did you learn, review, or realize today?
How can this connect to your sport/performance area?