Q: As a parent, it’s frustrating to see so much inconsistency in my player’s game. I know what he can do—but sometimes he just doesn’t do it. The puck flies right by him, his stick misses the pucks, skaters go right around him. What is the best way for players to be consistent?
A: The best way for an athlete to be more consistent in their play is to learn how to focus and maintain that focus—no matter what! Even though external conditions, events or situations change, maintaining a consistent internal environment is the key to performing consistently. Not getting rattled, not getting too excited or too low during competition, preparing to come to competition the same way every day. Inconsistency in youth sports is somewhat age related, but if an athlete is wanting to be at his or her best, there are ways to ensure this and that takes—you guessed it—preparation.
Thank you to Dr. Fred Neff, renowned for his work with the Boston Bruins and student athletes, for this answer during a conversation with Jeff Serowik of Pro Ambitions Hockey.