Breaking Out of a Slump

What to Know

Slumps happen because focus shifts to stats and outcomes instead of the habits that create them. Over‑thinking = tight muscles, slower reads, second‑guessing.

Why It Matters

Athletes who switch their attention from outcomes to controllable process cues (“shift length, battle wins, shot volume”) get out of performance slumps noticeably faster. Sport‑psychology coaches report a 22 % shorter slump duration when athletes adopt a process focus compared with point‑chasing. (PeakSports Mental‑Game Blog, 2021).

What Helps

• Process → Not results . Rate your shift on controllables: effort, positioning, energy, etc.
• Win the next battle . One forecheck, one puck‑race, one clean breakout.
• Shrink the game. Focus on your first two strides & tape‑to‑tape passes.
• Positive inventory. At intermission, list 3 micro‑wins (good stick, hard back‑check, net drive).
• Reset routine. Deep breath on the bench, glove squeeze, cue word “reset.”

Try This

Before next game write one “Process Goal” (e.g., 5 hard forechecks). Track it and ignore outcomes/points.