Listed below are some areas in which characteristics of a perfectionist athlete may be shown in:
Fear of Failure
Fear of Embarrassment
Fear of others' judgments
Fear of Letting Others Down
Fear of Making mistakes
Fear of wasted energy or time
Fear of Losing respect from others
Fear of not reaching expectations
Practice
Great Practice Player
Hard Worker
High Motivation
Practice Confidence
Loves to Train
Very Coachable
Mental Game
Tries to be perfect
High Expectations
Lack of Confidence in games
Lack of trust in competition
Wants to look and feel good
Fear of making mistakes
Tries too hard - tension
Competition
Tentative performer
Too focused on others
Afraid to take risks
Feels anxious or tense
Frustrated with mistakes
Can't perform in the present
Perfectionists are hard enough on themselves; they don't need their parents reminding them how to improve their technique or try harder. In fact, what they need is permission to perform or play at a more instinctive level or with less thinking. Over thinking is what makes these athletes anxious and tentative. Also, it would be most beneficial for these athletes to learn that making mistakes is a part of every athlete's career. So if you or if you know an athlete of this nature be positive and encouraging; never be over critical.
For more information check out these podcasts: http://www.peaksportsnetwork.com/public/department47.cfm
1 comment:
You are describing my 12 year old daughter. Her coach and other parents think she is not aggressive enough but I know how had she is on herself. I also know that yelling and disappointment from the coach or me makes her crawl within herself.
Frustrated and wondering if she will ever overcome this and be able to enjoy school sports.
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