The Power of Positive Thinking: Overcoming Negativity in Sports

Whether you're a player, coach, or just a fan, you've probably heard the old adage: "Sport is 90% mental, 10% physical." And while the percentages may vary depending on who you ask, there's no denying the mental aspect of sport is HUGE. This is especially true in hockey. Success on the field isn't just about being fast or skilled with a stick; it's about staying mentally tough, resilient, and positive—especially when the going gets tough.

But here's the tricky part: staying positive isn't always easy. In the heat of competition, with the pressure on, negative thoughts can creep in. You miss a tackle, fumble a pass, or concede a goal—and suddenly, the mind starts spiralling. Thoughts like, "I’m not good enough," "I always mess up," or "We’re going to lose" can take over, affecting your confidence and performance.

So, how do you overcome that negativity? How do you, as a player or coach, develop the mental strength to stay positive no matter what? Let’s break down the power of positive thinking in sports, and how it can make all the difference in your hockey performance.

Why Does Positivity Matter in Hockey?

First things first—why does positive thinking matter so much in a fast-paced, physically demanding sport like hockey? Well, there’s science behind it! Positive thinking isn’t just about being cheerful; it’s about creating a mindset that helps you perform at your best. When you maintain a positive outlook, your brain releases chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall performance.

On the flip side, negativity drains your energy and creates mental barriers. When you’re stuck in a negative thought loop, your ability to make smart decisions, stay focused, and perform under pressure drops. In hockey, where split-second decisions can make or break a game, a clear and focused mind is one of your most valuable assets.

The Impact on Players

For players, positive thinking is key to bouncing back from mistakes and staying in the moment. Imagine you’ve just missed a shot or lost possession of the ball. What happens next? If you let negative thoughts take over—“I can’t believe I missed that!” or “Now I’ve let my team down”—you’re more likely to keep making mistakes. But, if you take a deep breath, remind yourself that mistakes happen, and focus on the next play, you give yourself a better chance to recover and make an impact.

This doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your mistakes or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about reframing your thoughts in a way that keeps you motivated and focused on improvement rather than beating yourself up. In a sport like hockey, where momentum can shift in an instant, a positive mindset is what keeps you pushing until the final whistle.

The Role of Coaches

For coaches, fostering a positive environment is just as crucial. As a coach, your words and actions set the tone for the entire team. If you’re constantly criticising, pointing out mistakes, and focusing on the negatives, your players will internalise that mindset. And when things don’t go well during a game, they’ll be more likely to crumble under the pressure.

Instead, focus on constructive feedback, highlight what your players are doing right, and encourage them to adopt a growth mindset. This doesn’t mean you ignore areas that need improvement, but it’s about balancing critique with encouragement. When your team believes in themselves, they’re far more likely to reach their potential.

Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s get into the “how.” Here are some practical tips for using positive thinking to boost your mental strength in hockey—whether you’re a player or coach.

Pre-Game: Building a Positive Mindset

The moments leading up to a game can be nerve-wracking, especially in big matches. This is where your mental preparation is key. Both players and coaches can benefit from adopting a few simple practices to set the right tone before stepping onto the pitch.

Positive Affirmations

• Players: Create a list of positive statements you can repeat to yourself before the game. These can be things like, “I am ready,” “I trust my skills,” or “I’ll give it my all today.” Say these affirmations out loud or in your head as you warm up to reinforce confidence and calm.
• Coaches: Before team talks, remind yourself that your role is to empower your players. Open with something positive about their progress or the strengths they’ve shown in training. Acknowledge the challenge ahead, but remind them they have what it takes to succeed.

Visualisation

• Players: Spend a few minutes before the game visualising yourself performing well. Picture yourself making key tackles, scoring goals, or staying composed under pressure. This primes your brain for success and helps reduce anxiety.
• Coaches: Visualise your team executing the game plan perfectly. Picture yourself staying composed and supportive on the sideline, even when things don’t go perfectly.

During the Game: Staying Positive Under Pressure

Once the whistle blows, it’s easy to let emotions take over. Here’s how you can stay mentally strong when the game is in full swing.

Focus on the Present Moment

• Players: Don’t dwell on missed opportunities or mistakes. Hockey is a game of constant action—there’s always another chance just around the corner. Stay in the moment, focus on what you can do right now to help your team, and let go of the past.
• Coaches: If things aren’t going well, resist the urge to show frustration. Keep your body language open and encouraging, and focus your communication on solutions, not problems. If a player makes a mistake, remind them of their strengths and what they can do to turn it around.

Positive Self-Talk

• Players: When things get tough, use short, positive phrases to keep your mindset in check. Tell yourself, “I’ve got this,” “Next play,” or “Keep pushing.” These simple phrases can stop negative thoughts in their tracks and help you stay focused.
• Coaches: Use encouragement rather than criticism. A simple “You’ll get the next one,” or “Stay composed, you’re doing great” can lift a player’s spirits and help them regain their confidence.

Post-Game and Recovery: Reflecting Positively

Whether you’ve just won or lost, the post-game phase is crucial for maintaining mental strength and building on your experiences.

Constructive Reflection

• Players: After a game, reflect on both your strengths and areas for improvement. It’s easy to dwell on mistakes, but balance this by acknowledging what you did well. This helps build resilience and keeps you motivated to improve.
• Coaches: After a match, whether the result was good or bad, encourage your players to reflect positively. Ask them to identify one thing they did well and one thing they’d like to work on. This keeps the focus on growth and improvement.

Recovery and Rest

• Players: Mental strength isn’t just about what you do on game day. Take time to rest, recover, and recharge both physically and mentally. Positive thinking extends to how you treat your body—prioritising rest, nutrition, and relaxation helps you stay mentally sharp.
• Coaches: Encourage your players to rest and recover, but also remind them to stay positive in the downtime. Sometimes, players can get stuck ruminating on a poor performance. A well-timed text or call to check in and offer encouragement can make a big difference.

Wrapping Up

In hockey, as in life, your mindset plays a massive role in your success. Developing a habit of positive thinking takes time and practice, but the results are undeniable. For players, it’s about bouncing back from setbacks and staying focused on the present moment. For coaches, it’s about creating an environment where positivity, growth, and resilience can thrive.

Remember: positivity doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes or pretending everything’s perfect. It means focusing on what’s within your control, staying motivated, and always looking for ways to improve. When you master that mindset, both on and off the pitch, the sky's the limit.

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