Visualization is important and often underutilized skill for athletes. The University of Chicago conducted a study by Dr. Biasiotto in 2014 on the effectiveness of visualization. The results were amazing. The study was undertaken by having students take a series of free throws. The percentage of made free throws were recorded. The test subjects were then split into 3 groups and asked to perform three separate tasks over a 30 day period. Group A was instructed not to touch

Let’s define what mental toughness means for you. Some examples from other ski racers are… Endurance: Going one month without missing a workout. Proactive: Being ready for a competition 2 days ahead of schedule. Review: Taking a ½ hour to review your practice and competition everyday for a week. Consistency: Do it every day. Focus: Keep your attention on the long-term goals and outcomes Attitude toward setbacks: Complications, unintended side effects, and complete failur

This progression is designed to allow racers find the correct turn shape and line. A "wall" of gates are made in the shape of the desired turn. A track or rut will begin to form. Gates are removed as the drill progresses. Racers should stay in the track that has already been established. The progression continues until only the turn gate remains. Stubbies and brushes gates are the best for this drill because of the reduced visual input for the athletes and the workload o

In 2015, the U.S. Ski team opened a new in Park City, Utah. Now, America’s most elite skiers take naps between training sessions and have their sleep studied by experts to help enhance recovery and performance. “After the morning training session, athletes can use the sleep center,” said Matt Whitcomb, coach for the U.S. Ski Team’s cross-country team. “We notice significant improvements in the performance in the athlete’s p.m. sessions when they’ve taken the necessary means t

Reach for the Sweet Spot Reaching to practice in a zone just beyond your current abilities. “The sweet spot: that productive, uncomfortable terrain located just beyond our current abilities, where our reach exceeds our grasp. Deep practice is not simply about struggling; it's about seeking a particular struggle, which involves a cycle of distinct actions.” The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, Music, Math, and Just About Everything Else Daniel Coyle

Should you race like you train or train like you race? Is it a binary choice? There are many ways to approach this age old question that has challenged every athlete and coach. The actual issue becomes much more clear when you substitute the words for training and practicing with learning (the goal of training) and substitute testing for racing (what a race actually is). Learning and testing (Racing and training) have two very different goals and approaches when you see them