The Sports
Psychology Blog
Today's Sports Psychology blog examines the psychological challenges facing Josh Goodall today at Wimbledon. This after Josh played his match without his coach, Peter Lundgren being present to support him.
Tennis: Josh Goodall - The What If's
It was interesting to note the comments of young British player Josh Goodall, after he crashed out of Wimbledon in straight sets to Feliciano Lopez. Josh discovered ten minutes before his match that his coach Peter Lundgren had been sent on leave by the LTA and so would not be at the match.
Josh said "For the first set my mind was completely elsewhere - I couldn't even think straight. I was so disappointed that the LTA had done this before the biggest match of my career. I felt the timing of it was absolutely disgraceful.
This is a tough lesson but a critical one for Josh to grasp. The beauty of sport is it's uncertainty. Things happen which are not in your plans. The test is always how you handle these uncertainties. Think Muhammad Ali and the Rumble In the Jungle. His Rope A Dope strategy that eventually did for George Foreman was conceived in his corner between rounds one and two. Ali had to look deep inside himself to find a way to counter Foreman's awesome power. Trading punches was not working.
Ideally Josh and Peter should have had a plan in place for anytime Peter couldn't be there in support. Clearly there wasn't. Otherwise Josh would have remained focused. Focused and ready. The art of mental preparation is to have imagined a range of likely/unlikely possibilities. The what if's?
If this happens...what will I do? Running scenarios through your mind. Nothing left to chance.
The Sports Psychology Summary...
Mental strength comes from being able to handle changing circumstances with the minimum of fuss. It's about digging deep for something extra. Believing in yourself. Believing that you have what it takes to handle the difference.
In the psychology of sport, often the best lessons are the most painful. If Josh learns from his Wimbledon exit he will be be a better prepared player next time.
