Many players go into games with good psychological preparation and in a positive frame of mind, only for their game to be affected by stoppages in play or a set back. The idea that players can refocus during breaks in play, or in the time taken for a puck/kick out to be taken has developed importance in recent years.

Consider the following

• A player makes an unforced error and is visibly upset at the concession of a score. The player continues to think about the mistake, causing it to dominate the remainder of his game. His team proceed to lose the game.
• A goalkeeper can have a lot of down-time (for example when the ball is at the other end of the field). During the extended period without play, the anxious goalkeeper can relax by repeating a key word several times. The goalkeeper remains calm throughout the game and keeps a clean sheet.

Positive refocusing skills were demonstrated by the goalkeeper and a lack of these skills was exhibited by the player who made the mistake. Using positive refocusing players can recover from mistakes, or make the best use of the time when the ball in out of play through injuries, frees or sidelines. Refocusing works by using cues (such as key words) in order to avoid a break in concentration resulting in a drop in overall performance.

Times during games when there is a prolonged periods of down-time are most prone to distractions – when the ball is out of play, if one team has returned to the field after half time before another, an injury. In many ways down-time can become more of an opponent than the opposition.

Mental strategies for refocusing

• Positive physical responses. Players should hold their head and shoulders high after a setback. The ‘next ball’ or ‘no problem, I'll get the next one’ attitude will help a player refocus quickly.
• Relaxation techniques. For many players, games can be a very anxious event. Focusing on slowing the rate of breathing to trigger a can help a player to refocus.
• Develop visual and verbal cues. Key words, for example calm, or head up, or visual cues such as a psych up word or symbol printed on the forearm provide a practical way for players to begin refocusing.
• Mental rehearsal/Visualisation. Mentally rehearse the correct physical movements of the error, or a move that the player plans to make during the game. Mentally practicing proper skills or strategy can be done during sport down-time.
• Watch the stars. Videotape and take note of what the star players do during the crucial down-time periods, or in the minutes after they make an error. This can provide an example that may be modelled.
• Practice. Use all of the above techniques and practice them during training sessions to check which ones work for you.

Positive actions and positive thoughts during down-time allow players to recover an optimal mental state within a few seconds. The ability to refocus before each game situation can prove the difference between success and failure.