Creating Comeback Kids: How to Prevent and Turn Around Losing Streaks

After a loss, the best case scenario is that the player shakes it off and comes back to win in the next game or match. The worst case scenario is that the loss leads to a losing streak. This session will cover the psychology of winning and losing and how to turn losses into wins.

1. Winning vs. Losing: what it does to the mindset of an athlete.

-The halo effect of winning
-The corrosive effect of losing
-Athletes need to learn the skills of how to win and lose gracefully

2. The key elements of a winning mindset

To end losing streaks, athletes have to commit to a mentally tough mindset. They must give full effort consistently, focus on the here and now, maximize strengths and hold themselves to a high standard of personal excellence.
-Where should an athlete focus attention after a loss?
-How much should an athlete focus on winning?
-Can anger about a loss help facilitate improved performance?
-What’s the best way to analyze a loss?
-How do you maintain motivation after a loss?

3. Cultivating a winning mindset

-Assessment: we’ll cover the common mental challenges that lie at the root of a losing streak so that coaches know what to look for.

-Skill development: we’ll discuss a range of tactics to help athletes develop the mental skills that will help them turn around their loses.

-Practice plan: we’ll discuss the best approaches for helping athletes practice their mental skills.


4. Case studies: we’ll talk about how this works in the real world.

7. Resources for coaches and athletes

8. Q&A