CPT (Control, Plan and Trust) Strategy for Athletes

Control, Plan and Trust

How do you help behavioral kids in between plays on the field?  Some kids struggle, for a variety of reasons, when given even small amounts of down time. Implement CPT, or performance based routines, to help players stay focused.  Intentionally select sport-based rituals for players to create consistency. 

When players are not actively engaged in the game they are often assisted by a mental check-list to complete prior to the next active play.

Organize the check list in the following way:

Control:  You can only control yourself. Use techniques such as deep breathing, imagery, cue words, or other coping skills to relax.

Plan-What is the situation in the game. What is my Plan A? Plan B?

Trust- Stop thinking and trust yourself to deal with what is happening in front of you. 

RR 

RRoulier@docwayne.org

Great Goals

Goal setting can be very powerful in changing behavior. Not only does goal setting help people achieve what they are aiming for, but it also increases their self-confidence, motivation, and decreases anxiety. 

Effective goal setting requires hard work. Setting specific, measurable, adjustable, realistic, and timely goals is a step in the right direction. Below are a few additional helpful hints to create GREAT GOALS! Systematically providing feedback and following up with athletes can make all the difference.  

Coaches, when beginning goal setting as a team for the season don't forget the power of modeling. Take part in the goal setting process. 

Great goals are:   

1. Positively Phrased

2. Specific and Measurable

3. Manageable and Achievable

4. Written down

5. Performance goals, not outcome goals

6. Something the athlete actually wants to work towards! 

7. Simple

Using these tips, create a structure within your team to make goal setting part of your team culture (a ritual, fun, and enforced by participants). 

RR