Opportunity Knocks

Melrose hosts Westborough tomorrow in an inter-sectional Division 2 game. Historically, the Central division has been the strongest, with a number of talented teams, and this year is no exception. The Central includes Marlborough, Medfield, Westborough, Hopkinton, Medway, and Milford, which means that quarterfinal games are often as competitive as the championship game in other sections.

Yesterday, Reading traveled to Longmeadow and the hosts prevailed, 3-1. Longmeadow is favored to come out of the West regional as the state semifinal representative.

Players look at competitive situations in different ways. Some look at them as opportunities to demonstrate the quality of their program and preparation, others represent the excitement, while some 'worry'. The rich sports psychology literature gives us guidelines in preparation, including Jason Selk's approach which offers the personal highlight reel. This is just part of a more comprehensive approach to enhancing performance. Developing a powerful mental approach to the game is proven to improve performance. For example, your internal dialogue, what you tell yourself about yourself, dramatically impacts your ability.

The best way to view better competition is to enjoy the process, the preparation and the event itself, and embrace the opportunity to compete, showing confidence, which evolves from DEMONSTRATION OF PROVEN SKILL.