Over the years, my husband and I came to realize the importance of two words before any competition performance (or any performance, for that matter). The words work for your own athletes and are a good thing to say to anyone right before their performance.
Those two words are
Have fun!
Chrissy and Mark having fun performing at the 2009 European Championships. (Photo by Liz Chastney)
I remember reading in a book a number of years ago that athletes perform best if they don’t think too much and just stay out of their heads. After all their training, muscular memory will take over anyway.
Skaters already know the importance of doing well if it’s a high-stakes competition. They don’t need to be reminded.
Focusing on having fun is a great way for skaters to stay out of their heads. And it keeps things in perspective. The hard work is done, and it’s time to enjoy performing. Sometimes, after I say, “Have fun!” I might add, “Enjoy performing!” or, “Enjoy performing for the audience!”
Before your athlete competes, do you say, “Have fun,” or something similar?
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Ice Mom says
June 18, 2010 at 1:14 pmI like the “Have fun” idea, but I have a teen. She over analyzes everything.
If I say “Have fun” and she doesn't skate well, then she'll scowl and say, “That wasn't fun at all.”
For me, the least loaded thing to say is, “I love you.” No matter how well she does, if she has a good time, if she has good or bad luck; she knows I love her. Tough to skew that one!
Then I run toward the stands and let Ice Coach deal with her. It feels great to outwit my teen from time to time. 🙂
Judy says
June 18, 2010 at 1:19 pmThat is so funny because I always say that before she goes out on the ice. To us that is the most important thing. Winning makes it even more fun and she knows it! and when the fun is gone she needs to try something different…
icecoach says
June 18, 2010 at 2:42 pmI like “have fun” and “I love you”
I think it just depends on they type of skater. The ones who tend to get really nervous might prefer an I love you, and the ones who actually can get it together and calm their nerves before competiting would be able to enjoy a “have fun” attitude.
Deb Chitwood says
June 18, 2010 at 4:06 pmGood attitude, Judy! Hopefully, it’ll stay fun! The audience tends to pick up on it when the skaters are having fun. And when skaters get used to skating for the audience instead of the judges, it can be fun to perform even at the highest levels.
Deb Chitwood says
June 18, 2010 at 4:09 pmYou caught me on that one, Ice Mom! That’s next week’s post – those other three words!
Deb Chitwood says
June 18, 2010 at 4:14 pmGreat thoughts! And if they start skating at a young age and are used to the concept of having fun, it’s hopeful that “have fun” and “I love you” will work together.
sk8rmomp says
June 19, 2010 at 1:56 amLOL, earlier leading up to the “big” competition, like Regionals or JN, I'll remind him about how the hard work is done and it's time to enjoy himself and show everyone how much he loves to skate. Right before each competition I say “Have fun” and “I luv you”. Seems like we have the basis covered LOL.
Really though, people always comment how much they enjoy watching DS skate because they can tell how much he loves to skate. And he does. Mission accomplished.
Deb Chitwood says
June 19, 2010 at 3:19 amThat’s great! I think that does cover everything that matters! Wishing your son continuing on-ice fun!