I teach a simple three-step process to help athletes regain focus when off-task. You will not always play in the zone and focus 100% of the time. There will be times that you have to refocus such as when you start to think about who is watching you perform. Using the three R’s help you refocus when distracted:
1. Recognize–you are off task and take action
2. Regroup–tell yourself to stop and get ready to refocus
3. Refocus–point your attention back to execution
The first step to changing your focus is to RECOGNIZE you are thinking about or paying attention to something that is not relevant. The next step is to interrupt yourself and take control. The last and most important step is to REFOCUS on the task in front of you. You will lose your focus momentarily at time, but you want to get back on task quickly.
Check out The Focused Athlete program for more strategies to focus your best in competition.