If you have been an athlete for any amount of time, you already have an experience of “the zone.” When you are in the zone, you experience a few key things.

Characteristics of “The Zone”

1. Your mind is calm

2. Your body is responsive

3. You perform at the peak of your ability, without even trying

The ‘Zone” is a powerful state of synchronization between your body and mind. It is a state where your conscious mind becomes still and calm and all the resources of your unconscious mind flow easily and effortlessly through you.

Have you noticed that when you are relaxed and enjoying yourself, you seem to play so much better? Yet when you are trying to play well, you actually play worse?

…Here’s Some Basic Tips

• Any time you have a “Zone” experience, think back and remember what you did before this experience. Everything happens for a reason - you have to find out what caused you to go into this state so easily. Whatever it is that you did before you experienced that “Zone” state, do that more.

• Focus on enjoying yourself, not trying to impress others or score goals. Don’t get me wrong, getting goals is great, but the goals come naturally when you let go of the outcome and make the decision to enjoy yourself.

• Take care of your body. Your mind and your body are two parts of the same system, so in order for you to get the most out of your mind, you have to keep your body healthy and strong. Eat well and exercise.

Whether you have experienced this “Zone” state or not, it is something that you should CONSTANTLY strive to attain. Ultimately, every aspect of your game should be solidly anchored to this calm, powerful state of mind and body. Once your conscious mind gets out of the way, you become fully connected to every skill, talent and ability that you have developed over the years.