Improving your game

Is your short game in golf hindering your ability to close out games? Are your competitors dropping you on hills during races?  In any competition, an athlete wants to go in well prepared in order to be able to accomplish his or her goals. However, some of us neglect to identify and correct our weaknesses and during competition, they can factor into the outcome you are trying to attain.

If you want to achieve your goals, you need to identify your weaknesses to be able to succeed. Ignoring these gaps can leave you exposed, especially in a tight competition or when your opponent decides to exploit them.

How do you identify areas of improvement?

• Performance Analysis – Keep track of data to identify your strengths and weaknesses. It is also a way to quantify your training and performances to better understand what you need to work on.
• Coaching – Get a coach to help you identify and improve your game while maintaining the strong aspects. A coach can help improve your biomechanics, mental strength and the way you approach training and competition.
• Training – Incorporate training sessions that will help you excel. You can get these ideas from a coach or from a more experienced athlete. 

Working on the weakest aspects of your game allows for better consistency. You want to be able to maintain the same level of intensity throughout the competition rather than simply relying on your strength. Your weaknesses not only effect your game but can also make enjoying it harder and improving these gaps allows you to be more efficient and improve your game.

References Available from the SIRC Collection:

1. Chard C, MacLean J, Faught B. Managing Athletic Department Touch Points: A Case Study of One Institution Using Importance-Performance Analysis. Journal Of Intercollegiate Sport. December 2013;6(2):196-212.

2. Doron J, Gaudreau P. A Point-by-Point Analysis of Performance in a Fencing Match: Psychological Processes Associated With Winning and Losing Streaks. Journal Of Sport & Exercise Psychology. February 2014;36(1):3-13.

3. KOSTIS P, MACKIN T. IDENTIFY YOUR WEAKNESS. Golf Magazine. October 2012;54(10):27.

4.Qing W. Structure and characteristics of effective coaching practice. Coaching Psychologist. June 2013;9(1):7-17.

5. Rutkowska K, Gierczuk D. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE SENSE OF EFFICIENCY OF COACHING AND INSTRUCTING IN WRESTLING: Emotional intelligence in wrestling. Polish Journal Of Sport & Tourism. March 2012;19(1):46-51.

6. Silviu Ş, Doina M. THE EFFICIENCY OF AQUATIC ACTIVITIES AND SWIMMING KINETIC PROPHYLAXIS PATTERNS AND PROCEDURES. / EFICIENŢA MODELELOR Şl MIJLOACELOR KINETOPROFILAXIEI ÎN ÎNOT Şl ACTIVITĂŢI ACVATICE. Gymnasium: Scientific Journal Of Education, Sports & Health. December 2012;13(2):113-127.