Do you know what a flow state is?

A flow state is where we want to be as athletes. It is where we are performing at our peak ability without any other thought entering our minds.

Some athletes refer to it as "the zone." You are totally involved in what you are doing and using your skills to the max. So we need to enter this flow state to relax, perform and use our utmost skills to play.

To enter the flow state you first must be challenged by the game or practice. If you are bored then the activity will not hold your attention long enough to get into the flow. If the challenge is too much for you, then you will get nervous and worry, and that will take you out of the flow.

6 Steps to get into a Flow state

Make it a Game - Play with the situation.

Powerful Goal - As you play the game, remind yourself frequently of what you want to get out of it (You're at practice playing in a scrimmage and you want to take at least 4 shots).

Focus - Release your mind from all distractions, from inside yourself and outside (Don't let your teammates if they are yelling at you take you out of your game). Focus your entire attention on the game.

Surrender to the process - Let go. Don't strive or strain to achieve your objective. Just enjoy the process of work and see if you will achieve. That is half the fun, the suspense.

Ecstasy - This is what happens when you do the four steps above. This is when you are in the flow, just jamming and playing.