Article- Focus

Take a look at the picture of the golf ball and the course on the header. If you really look at the picture you will notice that the ball is in the foreground, in the rough, and the green and pin are hazy in the background. What am I trying to represent with this picture and how does focus play into our role on the course, court, field, or in life? This article will add onto the foundation of “Mental Toughness”, previously mentioned, and intorduce the element of focus.

The ball in the picture is clear, it is the only clear image. This is a metaphor that what is right here and now is all that matters. You must have an idea where you want to go (the pin), but focusing on what is right in front of you is what is most important.

You can also notice in the frame that the ball is in the rough, so maybe not the best previous shot to get there. But what matters is this shot, not the last or next one.

Did you get all that when you first looked at the picture? Applying the relationship of the picture to the point… we have to take one shot at a time.

Well here is another try for you. Watch this clip;


 
 
Did you see it? Were you able to be focused enough on the task given, yet also be aware enough to pick up the surrounding environment?
 
This is the lesson and challenge with focus. We have to pay attention to the task that is right in front of us, but be open and aware enough to see everything. It helps to be mentally and physically relaxed (see previous articles), and then we can best direct our attention to right here. A good way to prepare to focus is to breathe and then find a spot at the playing site where you can direct all your attention for a moment (such as a sign, foul pole, etc). Directing all your attention to one spot can get the mind prepared to focus in the game or match.

Whether it’s “Seeing the ball” hitting and fielding in baseball or “Eyeing the rim” shooting in basketball, we have to focus almost exclusively with our eyes and body on the successful completion of the task.

But, most of the time sport is a changing environment where you have to be focused yet able to see everything around you (as with the clip). A good and simple way to practice this is to juggle 3 small round objects. To be successful in juggling you have to be focused enough to catch the one that is falling, but still be aware enough to have a feel for the location of the other 2. Try it, you’ll be amazed at how the small drill of focus and awareness can carry over to sport.

Next time you are approached with a changing sport or life environment where you are searching for success, remember to focus on what is most important, but be aware and calm enough to see the dancing bear in the background. Know where you want to go, but focus on this step to get there.



If there are any questions with this or any article please leave a comment and I would happily answer in one of the coming blog posts.