i really just think a lot of it is that Saban preaches execution, etc. not results. This is mostly great advice, especially when you are too wound up. However, Alabama is in the position where I believe this same advice of execution focus could have a negative impact: it could be accepted as "don't do anything wrong".

And we all see what happens when players are trying to NOT make mistakes, instead of just going out and balling. You'll play uptight and still make mistakes.

Sports psychology is just such an unknown science, it's just hard to know what is the best advice to give to each and every athlete.

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Posted by _Hurricane_

Somewhere

Member since Feb 2016

4472 posts

Posted on 11/14/19 at 11:12 pm to East Coast Band

I’ve always thought the more basic your philosophy the less nervous you’ll be about screwing things up. Run the ball, take what the defense gives you and play hard as hell on defense and you help the nerves because it’s the same MO every game. Let the defense know you can make mistakes but stick to your assignment and play hard as hell. Don’t over complicate it. That’s what we used to do. I think we’ve swung too far to the other side and need to readjust.

This post was edited on 11/14/19 at 11:14 pm

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Posted by LovetheLord

The Ash Grove

Member since Dec 2010

5618 posts

Posted on 11/15/19 at 9:15 am to East Coast Band

quote:
Sports psychology is just such an unknown science, it's just hard to know what is the best advice to give to each and every athlete.

You have really hit the nail on the head here.

My son pitches at the college level. I’ve seen him go through times when he’s trying to manufacture confidence, but I know he has none at that moment. I’ve seen his teammates blow-up and not be able to throw strikes as well. Usually, it has to do with coaches who harp on the negatives. For example, pitcher throws a change up in bull pen with good speed reduction and movement, but up just a bit, and coach says “Nope. I need that ball down and away. You just gave up a bomb.” Or a coach who freaks out over walks or hit batsmen. I can guarantee you that such a coach is not going to have pitchers who play to their ability.

At the same time, trying to immediately build up and praise a guy who has just failed can have a negative effect, as it brings a sense of, “Oh crap! Coach feels like I just really screwed up.”

Our kickers have what is called the yips. They are brutal, and despite what fans sometimes think, they are not a moral failure. If anything, they come from caring too much and trying too hard to do well.

I think we all know deep down that the coaches and players care more than we do about what happens, and nobody wants to succeed any more than they do.

I really hate that we were uptight, but experience goes a long way towards getting rid of that. Coaching style helps too. I am willing to wager that CNS knows this and is doing everything he can to try to make needed changes.