According to sports psychologist Tuomas Grönman, it is normal for young players to have insecure thoughts. The Finnish coaching team includes a psychological coach.
Kasper Simontaival hits and the team rejoices. ZUMAWIRE / MVPHOTOS
Finland opens the youth hockey World Cup tournament on Wednesday morning against Latvia. Even though it’s only August, it’s still the main event of the season for many players.
The pressure inside young men’s heads can be intense. The players were mainly born in 2002 and 2003.
– The opening game of the World Cup is not a November regular season match. It’s a different game. Expectations are high in Finland, there is even talk of a championship. Missing a medal would be considered a failure by many.
– For many young people, this is the main event of the season, says the sports psychologist and former NHL player Tuomas Grönman.
Individualism
There are many things on players’ minds when the value tournament starts.
– Let’s play for role and playing time, own playing place in this tournament. Individualism has also entered hockey. There is a team and its goals, but each player thinks about his own career and future. And I’m not saying it’s wrong.
– Thinking affects feelings. Uncertain thoughts may creep into my mind, what if I don’t succeed, Grönman, who himself once represented Leijon, will continue.
– In the players’ minds, the risk is that the tournament gets off to a bad start.
Finland can
Antti Pennanen has unprejudicedly included a sports psychologist in the coaching of the under-20 national team. PDO
However, Grönman, raised by Rauman Luko, does not want to paint devils in blue.
– If the emotions are channeled correctly, you can also get a hard slap out of it. And the Finnish team has been together for a long time, they have learned how to deal with emotions.
– The head coach Antti Pennanen understand the value of the spiritual side. Mental coaching is strongly involved. The team has been prepared for the spiritual side.
– A uniform style of play also helps, Grönman continues.
In Edmonton, Finland has a mental coach, a sports psychologist Tatja Holm. Especially as part of the coaching team. The bet is quite exceptional and Grönman thinks it is welcome.
– I have been involved in these matters for more than 10 years. I am happy to see that a spiritual coach and sports psychologist is involved and an aid to coaching. When the head coach sees the value of the matter, then it can work, Grönman thinks.
Positive self-talk
Uncertain feelings probably creep into every player’s head. Some briefly, some through a longer formula.
– The focus must remain on the game and the agreed matters. The team has practiced psychological skills over time. Not just 2-3 days before the first game.
There are tools for dealing with uncertain feelings. Sports psychologist Grönman gives a few examples.
– Positive self-talk, breathing exercises and imagery exercises. Don’t be afraid of negative emotions, get to know them.
– Players should build their identity through things other than hockey. There is so much more to life than hockey. Your whole life does not depend on the result of one game or tournament.
– At the same time, I understand that the game is a huge deal for these young men.