Winners Mind - Advanced Sports Psychology

Mark Williams has been demonstrating the temperament of a champion this week at the World Open in Glasgow in both matches played so far. He looked in devastating form in his match against Ali Carter. In the best of 5 format this may well suit Mark's temperament and attitude to the game. In the first few days of the competition the SECC has been labelled "twitch city" as nerves and confidence play a big part in seeing through a win. 

Here is a selection of psychological issues presented by players  of all standards that were of concern in different ways.

1. “Confidence” - a catch all for many issues.
2. Useful states - accessing ideal states for snooker
3. Mindsets - beliefs that are useful
4. Accessing self belief - how you represent your own ability to yourself
5. Self Belief – Unable to Win Certain Games or Tournaments
6. Self Image - how you see yourself as a player, sportsman etc
7. Transferring form from the practise table to match play and important events.
8. Mental Blocks – certain shots – certain situations
9. Improving Concentration and Focus - attention in and on the game
10. Composure & Balance - stability under pressure
11. Inconsistency - best, norm and worst - variation of
12. Not improving or going backwards - not developed as a player/stagnation
13. Handling Pressure - self explanatory
14. Dealing with Distractions - staying aligned with the game
15. Self limiting behaviour - bad habits & routines
16. Personal Conflicts - addictions etc.
17. Motivation – Quality Practise & Winning Mentality
18. Accessing top form states
19. Developing the winning mentality - Killer instinct etc, determination
20. Handling Mistakes & Misses - Reset stategies
21. Healing the Wounds of Battle - Dealing with sports related trauma - mental scarring.

In a recent interview Stephen made it clear he always took the position of the champion from an early age. Whether it was Steve Davis, Schumacher, Federer he always wanted them to win. To strike the killer blow. He hated the underdog winning. In associating with a champion (taking the position as them in the event - so for instance watching an event as though playing) puts a different perspective on a game. We can get a sense of the determination and toughness.