Okay, so I’ve been trying to get better at volleyball, not just the physical part, but the mental game too. I heard about this “inner game” concept and figured I’d give it a shot. It’s all about how you talk to yourself, how you handle pressure, that kind of stuff.
First thing I started doing was paying attention to my thoughts during practice. You know, like when I mess up a serve, do I start thinking, “Oh man, I suck,” or do I just let it go? It’s crazy how often I was putting myself down without even realizing it.
So, I decided to try something different. Every time I had a negative thought, I tried to replace it with something positive, like “Okay, next one will be better,” or “Just focus on the technique.” Sounds cheesy, I know, but it actually started to help. I noticed I was getting less frustrated and staying more focused.
Visualization and Self-Talk
- I began visualizing myself making good plays. Before each serve, I’d picture the ball going exactly where I wanted it.
- Then, before reception, I’d picture myself making receiving, setting, and attacking.
- It’s like tricking your brain into thinking you’ve already done it successfully.
- I also worked on my self-talk during games. Instead of freaking out when we were down a few points, I tried to stay calm and encourage my teammates. “We got this, let’s just focus on the next point,” that sort of thing.
It wasn’t a miracle cure or anything. I still mess up, I still get nervous. But I feel like I’m handling those moments better. I’m bouncing back faster from mistakes and not letting them get to me as much. I found the biggest impact was probably on my confidence. I’m going into games believing in myself more, and that makes a huge difference. It’s a work in progress, for sure, but I’m definitely going to keep working on this inner game stuff. It’s making the whole experience of playing volleyball way more enjoyable.
