[rev_slider Zone]
THE ZONE
Neurophysiology and the Effects on Performance: In facilitating an Optimal Performance State (OPS) or the Zone. The primary objective in facilitating this Optimal Performance State (OPS) is to focus on the task at hand.
Physiologically this does several things:
- Concentrating on a specific plan lets the brain bring structure to chaos and keeps the Amygdala the emotional center in check.
- The goal is to get the frontal lobes to keep its concentration on the plan and as a result this allows the cerebellum and the rest of the brain to engage in the activity.
- In addition the more an athlete practices physically and visually the better the motor cortex of the brain becomes at knowing exactly which nerves and muscles to trigger each time.
- This is often referred to as “Muscle Memory” When you vividly imagine performing a movement, you use neural pathways similar to those you use in actual performance of the movement.
A large part of what I do involves teaching the athlete mental skills on how to condition their mind to consistently operate in this space of presence, so they can tap into their minds tremendous power.
When athletes are able to train their brain to stop the busy chatter of the conscious mind, they then allow themselves to operate in the presence state or the “here and now.” This way, the athlete is more in control of their sport performance, able to stay focus on task relevant cues and perform more consistently at a high level.
The Optimal State
Through my research on the zone or flow it is the combination of practice involving the cerebellum and concentration of the frontal lobes and low activity of the amygdala that facilitate this state.
In my research on the optimal state, athletes often described their sport performance as:
• Effortless power
• Being in automatic pilot
• Being fully absorbed in their sport
• Being guided by pure instinct, without conscious thought
What Our Clients Are Saying
Before I started working with Dr. Chavez I felt like two different people. I was one person in practice and someone entirely different at tournaments. My anxiety was through the roof and I was unable to perform to my fullest. I wasn’t competing like I trained. After just a few sessions I found that gap closing…suddenly I wasn’t getting in my own way. I am now able to compete in that “zone” that all athletes search for more readily. Before I started my work with Dr. Chavez I was struggling at competitions Nationally…now I’m back on top and turning out my best results at World Cups and Grand Prixs!! I feel like sports psychology is greatly underused and misunderstood by athletes. I came in not knowing fully what to expect. But after working with Dr. Chavez I confidently recommend him to all my friends and fellow athletes at the Olympic Training Center. The skills I’ve learned from Dr. Chavez have become an important part of my training regiment. I’ve always trained myself physically and technically as hard as I can, now I am training myself mentally to be the best. Confidence and focus, like any other muscle or skill, can be trained, focused, and perfected! Thank you for all your help Dr. Chavez!
Dr. Chavez is a superb Sport Psychologist, with a keen insight into the mind of the athlete. He has an extraordinary ability to assess team dynamics, and his powerful methods for developing team chemistry and cohesion are essential in the building of a successful team. I highly recommend Dr. Chavez to any individual athlete or team.
Dr. Chavez always believed in me. He motivated me during a time when I lost my confidence and enthusiasm for my sport. He brought back the qualities that made me one of the best in my sport. With his help, skiing became more fun, and I was able to just “go for it” without thinking.
Dr Chavez’s Peak Performance CD’s were a big help in building my confidence and getting me to achieve peak performances. His team sessions to our ski team gave us a better understanding of how our state of mind plays a big part in our performances.