Biofeedback for Mental Skills Training

“The key for me is to forget about results and concentrate on execution.” Orel Hershiser,

Los Angeles Dodgers.

How do athletes arrive at this place of letting go of the many distractions and pressures of performance? Many athletes are familiar with playing well in practice but not up to their potential during a game. In practice an athlete is focusing on the task. There isn’t the pressure of an outcome of winning or losing. Their mental focus complements their physical training. When an athlete leaves the practice arena and faces a team or challenging opponent or a game that matters, the athlete often becomes distracted with internal dialogue that sounds like:

*Don’t mess up this game.

*I’m ranked higher, I should win.

*I have to beat this opponent.

*Don’t let the team down.

*If I don’t play well the coach will bench me.

*There are scouts in the stands today. I have to perform well.

These types of distractions trigger a fight, flight, freeze primal response in the body. Athletes are typically unaware of the extent to which thoughts influence physiology and the impact it has on performance. Biofeedback is an easy training tool that provides real time data to athletes regarding how the body is responding to the mental dialogue and physiological response to the environment.

A simple Psychophysiological Stress Test helps the athlete recognize the link between thoughts and the perceived stress of competition and reaction time, the ability to think clearly under pressure, and emotional management. Once the athlete has an individualized blueprint of the stress cues that negatively influence their performance, an individualized biofeedback training program can be designed that will enable the athlete to more effectively address and manage these issues.

For additional information regarding biofeedback,arranging for a Psychological Stress Test or a free 30 minute phone consultation contact Susan Zaro, LMFT, BCB @

www.susanzaro.com

Taylor Fritz USA's rising tennis talent

Taylor Fritz is the son of two tennis pros. His father Guy Fritz was the University of San Diego’s first tennis All-American in 1972 and spent seven years on the pro tour. His mom, Kathy, was ranked as high as number ten on the WTA tour. Taylor has been making large strides towards his goals of becoming a touring ATP player in the years to come. Taylor’s ranking has climbed as high as #4 in ITF world rankings, and a career-high no. 912 ranking on the ATP pro tour. Last year Taylor reached the semi-finals of Junior Wimbledon. Recently he was seeded #3 during the Junior Australian Open.

Examiner: This year was your first Australian Open. You were seeded #3 in the junior tournament. What was it like playing in such a large venue for the first time? Were there a lot of distractions and peripheral issues to deal with such as the weather, scheduling courts etc? Or was it fairly easy to ease into the environment and just focus on your matches?

TF: It was fairly easy to get into the rhythm of the tournament because it was similar to a lot of the other junior slams. I thought the wind was going to be an issue because during the warm-up tournaments leading up to the Open the wind was pretty heavy. But it calmed down during the Open and it was great to play at such a big event.

Examiner: Were there a lot of distractions because it’s such a large venue and and there is so much going on? Or do you have a tournament routine and just knew to stick with your tournament routine?

TF: It was pretty routine because like I mentioned it’s the same type of environment as the other junior slams that I’ve been to. I have a whole routine down for that.

Examiner: Did you do anything different to prepare yourself for the Australian vs. other ITF tournaments you’ve played in? What are the things a player needs to prepare themselves for?

TF: Well I arrived in Australia early to make sure my sleeping schedule and all that was in sych with the time zone. The way I had to prepare in the days leading up to the Australian was different compared to how I usually prepare because I injured my shoulder and wasn’t able to serve or play for three or four days prior to the Australian Open. So my routine leading up to the tournament was spent trying to get my shoulder healthy rather than practicing or playing sets which I normally do.

Examiner: I looked at the doubles draw and noticed your name wasn’t there, was this because of your shoulder?

TF: Yeah, I pulled out of the doubles because I wanted to make sure my shoulder was going to be okay. I was advised that if I take some days off my shoulder should be able to hold up. But if I over played it would worsen.

Examiner: So part of your daily routine was to nurture your shoulder, going to the training room etc.

TF: I was just doing what I could to make sure I was ready to play.

Examiner: Both of your parents played tennis professionally and have taken an active part in your tennis development. What are the plus’s and what are potential drawbacks if any having parents who know the game and you so well?

TF: The plus’s are they always have my best interests in mind. They aren’t trying to do anything for the wrong reasons. They are always trying to help and they are always there. That’s what’s great about it. The minus’s are just sometimes it’s tough to have your parents coach you. I mean parenting and coaching, it’s two different things.

Examiner: At age seventeen your ITF ranking has climbed as high as #4 in the world. What has been some of the best tennis advice you’ve received so far regarding your career going forward?

TF: Going forward the best advice is probably to stay healthy and not injure myself. Not to over do it. When you are a highly ranked junior you have a good chance of transitioning into the pro’s and getting injured is just something that could completely ruin everything. Staying healthy is super important.

Examiner: Have you altered your practice routine going forward to protect your shoulder?

TF: I took some time off and saw some doctors to make sure I knew what I needed to do to take care of my shoulder. Now that I am playing and serving again I’m not going to change my regular practice schedule because it was never too much for my body to handle.

Examiner: All players need mentors/role models. Besides your parents who are your go to mentor/role models who help you see the path you wish to take a little clearer?

TF: Besides my parents I have coaches, Woody Blocher and Christian Groh. They both help me personally. For a role model obviously it’s Roger Federer because he’s just....I mean it’s pretty obvious.

*Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Examiner: A big issue during matches for tennis players is to have an active but focused mind. Winning and losing points can create big emotional ups and downs during match play. Novak Djokovic found meditation and made other adjustments in his life which seems to have helped him a lot. Andy Murray struggles with his emotional composure. Do you utilize any mental skills training to help you stay focused during matches?

TF: No not really. I just try and attend every practice with one hundred percent intensity and just focus and concentrate. As far as getting on the courts and having a mental game on the court during a match I don’t really think that is something that can be taught. I think you’ve got to just experience it. It’s kind of just experience and how you handle it.

Examiner: So through experience over time you develop a way to handle yourself on the court.

TF: I feel like most people are just born with the mental side where they don’t get too nervous. I feel it’s tough to teach that versus experience it.

Examiner: Do you have any favorite quotes or tips that keep you motivated during tough times? Tough times being when your shoulder is bugging you a bit or a tournament didn’t go quite as well as you wanted.

TF: I just move on with things. I don’t really have any problems with confidence or anything. I don’t get too down on myself. After a loss I kind of just say, “Alright well next time I’ll be better. It’s not a problem.”

Examiner: What is next on your schedule? Where will you be playing?

TF: This upcoming week I’m playing qualifying at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Examiner: Best of luck to you Taylor! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with me.

*Featured guests are not current nor former clients of Susan Zaro
*This article can be read @ Examiner

*Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images