"LEARNING TO CONCENTRATE
Concentration is the relaxed state of being alert. The player performs the actions in a relaxed, yet controlled state. Only players exhibiting the ability to relax and visualize are taught how to concentrate. The child uses relaxation and visualization techniques to internally focus their sensations and their thoughts. The player relaxes, visualizes themselves performing the skill and executes the skill immediately after completing the visualization.
The Technique

• "Take two deep breathes and see yourself successfully doing what you are about to do." Right after the visualization, the player is totally relaxed, yet totally tuned into the skill they are about to perform.

• "See which way the ball is spinning." In any sport, focusing on an object in greater detail increases concentration.

Comments - (1) The ability to concentrate builds upon the ability to relax and visualize.

"VISUALIZING THE SKILLS
Visualization uses the senses to see, feel, hear and smell a physical action ahead of time to produce the action in reality. The player mentally rehearses the action before performing the action. By visualizing ahead of time, the player's learning cycle is greatly accelerated.
The Technique
"Before you do (the action), use your mind to image what (the action) would feel like." Good coaches ask their players to see actions and skills ahead of time. Any visualization can be performed with the eyes opened or with the eyes closed.
"In your mind, image yourself doing (the specific action) from across the field." To make the visualization more interesting and more fun, ask the player to imagine themselves doing the action from different angles and from different distances."