Achieving greatness is out of reach for most, but you can always improve your game. However, you might struggle to get better at a sport for various reasons, that include the following.
You Fail to Understand How to Compete
Whether you play a team game or a solo sport, competing is a state of mind and a physical interaction. Competition between two or more parties includes mutual respect while maintaining a clear goal of achievement and a complete understanding of the rules of the game. For instance, as a solo player, you can always buy great golf bags with the best clubs in the world. But you will struggle to lower your handicap without knowing the crucial times to use each tool or when to ask for advice from your caddie. No great sportsperson in history did it on their own.
It’s a Sport that Takes a Long Time to Master
We all want to win. Winning is the essence of competition, and it’s why you try so hard. And while ambition is a great motivator, it’s also helpful to understand that every sport takes a long time to master. You might see young players winning everything, but they have probably been training and competing since they could walk. As a beginner or hobbyist, you haven’t had the same opportunity. And are coming to a sport at a much older age. It’s more challenging to learn new things as you get older, in addition to the obvious disadvantages that come with aging.
Bad Technique will Make You Struggle to Get Better at a Sport
Most psychologists agree that winning at sporting competitions is 100% mental. Without the right attitude and will to go beyond your limits, you may never succeed. The mental health implications are far-reaching, with 35% of professional athletes experiencing disorders each year. However, there’s also the physical side. And if you have not been trained correctly or are self-taught, you could have bad technique. Bad technique is likely to stay with you and can be challenging to fix. So always find a reputable trainer when embarking on a sporting journey.
You’re Not Challenging Yourself Enough
Like lousy technique, you must challenge yourself to get better. You can only go so far if you compete in lower leagues with no talent because you win against an inferior opponent even though you win. And there’s no glory in playing only to win against teams or individuals you know you can beat. And the same goes for training. So it’s constructive to surround yourself with team members or skilled athletes who are better than you. By being around such people, you can absorb styles and learn new techniques to adapt to make them your own.
Remember, Practice is the Route to Success
The ancient Japanese Samurai were fierce in a battle for one reason. They practiced technique until it became second nature. Rather than fighting consciously, their approach was executed effortlessly like a responsive memory. Like Golfing legend Bagger Vance stated: “the Golf swing isn’t learned. It’s remembered.” Therefore, you must do the same. Practice as much as you can with a reputable trainer surrounded by professionals. Doing this ensures you learn proper techniques, form bonds, and stay safe while doing so. It’s a long road, but you’ll get there.
Summary
Upping your game is more than practice, although that’s important. You first need to make sure you learn the proper technique. You should also challenge yourself, and some can take a long time.
