How to train for great results in a competition while sitting on the couch.
Are you getting ready for NZ Shears yet? Sometimes the sheep aren't right, or we're just not able to get to work, a big wet, last on the list to be called, and practice is just not happening.
I've got a way to help you get started.
Visualisation is a way to make a huge impact on your performance without breaking in to a sweat. Numerous studies have found that mental practice is a beneficial way to improve your skills without moving your body. It increases your experience and can improve your own confidence in your ability to perform those skills under pressure, or in different situations.
First, make yourself comfortable, sitting in a chair while well supported.
While you are learning it’s helpful to be in a quiet space, as, visualisation is like a muscle that needs training, it’s hard at the start, but becomes much easier with practice.
Start right at the start –
Walking up to the stand,
where is your handpiece?
Where is your spare?
What combs have you got on?
What are you wearing?
What does your body feel like?
Set up your stand.
Look at your sheep – see how good they are (you can set up your ideal situation here, so do that!)
Get ready to shear, hear the commentator “On your marks” – where are you standing? Where are your feet?
Where are you looking?
What does your body feel like?
How are you feeling?
“Go” -
What do you do next? Think of everything from your feet, your arms, your hands.
Where does the door touch your body when you drag the sheep out?
Where are you set up?
Where are your feet?
Your hands?
When do you pick up your handpiece?
Pull the cord?
Shear the sheep in your mind, think about your body, from your toes to your head…. Right until you get it out the porthole.
Keep going, shear another, and another, and another until you have finished.
Think about your pattern.
Get it working well for you.
Then: Press the button. Grab your handpiece. Wait for the others to finish. Walk off the stage – well done, you’ve just completed the final while sitting down.
Woolhandlers – you can do this too! Start from the start – what do you need to take with you? Your sweep? Your broom? Where do you set up your baskets?
Is there anything else you need to set up?
What does your body feel like?
Where are you standing?
Hear the commentator “On your marks”
Where are your feet?
Where are you looking?
What does your body feel like?
How are you feeling?
“Go” -
What do you do next? Think of everything from your feet, your arms, your hands.
What do you do with every part of that fleece? Get it right – put everything in the right basket.
Practice your perfect throws. Feel your body, feel your emotions.
What else do you need to do? Think, plan, visualise.
Keep going for sheep after sheep until you have finished. Put your hand up. What do you do next?
Good luck, let me know what you would like added in to this.
