Gaining, or regaining,\u00a0confidence\u00a0is critical to\u00a0long term success\u00a0and satisfaction for a player. Many young players take\u00a0confidence\u00a0for granted. Their belief, or \u201cknowing\u201d, that they have the ability to perform is taken for granted. It isn\u2019t until their normal levels of\u00a0success\u00a0are challenged do they realize that\u00a0confidence\u00a0is elusive, temporary, and intangible. This is where the great players separate\u00a0themselves from the rest of the pack.<\/p>\n
Great players gain control of their thoughts and emotions and commit to staying\u00a0confident\u00a0— despite their recent poor\u00a0performance. When hit by failure, poor players begin to make excuses, blame others, and seek\u00a0confidence\u00a0in the form of new putters,drivers, and state-of-the-art swing aids.<\/p>\n
Success<\/strong> fuels confidence<\/strong>. One of the most effective strategies to boost confidence<\/strong> is to succeed. This may mean enrolling\u00a0in a tournament or match that will allow for success<\/strong>, setting playing goals that are attainable, or making the point to consciously recognize\u00a0progress as it occurs. If a player is waiting for his competitors to feed his confidence<\/strong>, he\u2019ll be waiting a long, long time.<\/p>\n Confidence<\/strong> is an inside game. Successful<\/strong> players, young or old, learn to turn that mysterious and elusive thing called \u201cconfidence\u201d<\/strong> into something tangible and real. Confidence<\/strong> becomes their caddy. Confidence <\/strong>is the key <\/strong>compound in the head of their putter.\u00a0Confidence <\/strong>is wound tightly into their ball. Confidence<\/strong> is in the crunch of their snack at the turn\u2026 a bright-red, luscious apple. Crunch!<\/p>\n S\u00b2 Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n Make sure your self talk boosts your confidence. Always tell yourself, \u201cI can, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n In Another\u2019s Words\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cConfidenc<\/strong>e<\/strong> is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it; work.\u201d Related Articles<\/p>\n The Power of Prime<\/a><\/p>\n Developing Confidence to Become an Elite Tennis Player<\/a><\/p>\n Sport Psychology for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents<\/a><\/p>\n Kids Sports & Recreation: Building Confidence\/Assertion<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\u2013 Jack Nicklaus, golfer<\/p>\n