Preparation and Focus
The best pilots are the ones who are able to keep a clear head under pressure, these are usually the ones who have done their homework. Being able to ‘stay cool’ and ‘think clearly’ is the result of rational, logical planning done before the event or weekends soaring. As I’m sure you’ve heard before, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. There are two types of focus, I’m sure you can tell quickly which one is the preferred one!
Outcome focus
People who are focused only on the outcome will find it hard to cope under pressure in a simple and logical manner. This is because they are too worried about losing a position or thinking that they have to fly faster, but the only way to fly faster is to fly the process that makes a good flight.
Process focus
These are the pilots who can keep their mind on the process of efficiently performing skills, and find it easier to keep their approach simple and logical under pressure. They will focus on making a good start, a good first glide, good thermal entries, and efficient centering followed by leaving again on a good energy line, and so on, so forth. They’ve thought about the where and when the how and why beforehand.
If we base our mental preparation on things beyond our control, we will waste a considerable amount of mental and physical energy in the process of worrying about what might happen. On the other hand, if we base our mental preparation on things that we can control, and then spend our time training enthusiastically to improve these necessary skills. By the time the competition starts, we will have very little to worry about, and we’ll be able to approach the event with a more focused and confident attitude. Being charged with positive emotions, the feeling of readiness and our preparation to follow the process of a good flight, we almost can’t fail. The key then to mental preparation, becomes identifying what we can and cannot control.
Performance Plan
Banner Photo by Petr Kolmann
Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.
Without a plan it is easy to feel inexperienced and have trouble handling the pressure of a competition. In general, pilots with a plan feel more in control because they have considered how they will handle various situations that might arise before and during the event, this will help them feel relaxed and able to think clearly to execute the perfect counter plan or attack!
The biggest goal in almost any sport, in soaring competitions too is to aim for consistency. We should aim for the highest possible standards of performance. The best way to achieve these goals is to develop rituals or routines, and to use them with as much concentration as possible each time we compete.
At any competition, we must be able to complete our mental preparation by considering the many hypothetical situations that could interfere with our overall competition strategy & goals, or ones that could interfere with the flow of our own personal routines. Effectively, ‘What if..?’ preparation. This requires a creative mind and one where experience comes into play to help build your database. ‘What if..?’ preparation should not be done while in the sky for this type of preparation or topic, but some consideration needs to be given at a time before the competition when you’re not under pressure.
Fly the process of a good flight, use mental imagery before the contest and plan for the what ifs – happy soaring!