Author – Vedika Jogani
A recent graduate from Ithaca College with a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance, Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager.
The WNBA Finals came to a thrilling finish on Sunday night with the New York Liberty claiming the championship in overtime.
The series against the Minnesota Linx was packed with dramatic moments; game-winning three-pointers, overtime thrillers, and record-breaking performances.
The intensity on the court was palpable, but what stood out even more was the mental skills displayed by the athletes.
From visualization techniques to resilience, mental preparation was a key theme throughout the finals.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Game-Winning Three: A Lesson in Visualization
In Game 3, Sabrina Ionescu drained a game-winning three-pointer that left fans in awe.
In her post-game interview, Ionescu revealed that visualization played a huge role in her preparation for that moment.
She explained how she regularly uses imagery to mentally rehearse those clutch shots.
“I’ve played that shot a 1000 times in my head,” she shared.
This mental rehearsal primes her brain for the real thing, giving her the confidence to perform under pressure.
Research supports this: when athletes visualize an action, the same areas of the brain are activated as if they were performing the action in real life.
By consistently visualizing herself taking those three-point shots, Ionescu was able to train her mind and body to deliver when it mattered most.
The Power of Mantras: Trusting the Process
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello also emphasized the mental side of the game when asked how the team maintained their composure and focus.
She mentioned that resilience and teamwork were key features of their success.
Mantras, or focus cues, help athletes stay grounded and focused, especially during high-pressure moments.
By repeating powerful phrases, athletes can redirect their attention away from distractions and refocus on what they can control.
This mental discipline plays a significant role in building resilience, allowing them to bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated.
Nyara Sabally’s Mental Readiness: Staying Prepared Off the Bench
Another standout in the finals was Nyara Sabally, who delivered a crucial performance after coming off the bench, despite playing limited minutes in the semifinals.
Sabally credited her success to being mentally prepared so that when her moment came, she was able to execute skills without nerves or hesitation.
Athletes who spend time on the bench can sometimes struggle to stay mentally engaged, but Sabally’s focus on preparation is a great example of how to overcome this challenge.
Techniques like visualization, mental rehearsal, and even simple routines can keep athletes sharp, ensuring they’re ready to perform when called upon.
Mental Preparation for High-Stakes Games: Strategies for Success
So, how do athletes prepare mentally for games of this magnitude, where the pressure is sky-high?
- Visualization: Just like Ionescu, athletes often visualize key moments in their performance—whether it’s scoring a crucial basket or executing a play. This mental rehearsal primes the brain and body to act instinctively when those situations arise in real life.
- Goal-Focused Thinking: Athletes often focus on short-term, achievable goals to break down overwhelming pressure. By concentrating on the process rather than the outcome, they stay grounded and reduce anxiety.
- Mantras and Focus Cues: Repeating simple phrases like “Trust the process” or “Stay present” can help athletes maintain focus and manage stress. These mantras act as anchors, keeping the mind from wandering during crucial moments.
- Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing techniques are often used to calm nerves and reduce the physiological effects of stress, like increased heart rate and muscle tension. Athletes use controlled breathing to stay composed and focused in high-pressure situations.
The WNBA Finals were a testament to the power of mental preparation, showing that beyond physical skill, the ability to stay mentally resilient is what truly defines champions.
Whether it’s a game-winning shot, coming off the bench, or staying focused under pressure, the mental game is often the difference between victory and defeat.
