The Circle of Attention

For players in a Competition

If you are a competitive table tennis player, it is important to recognize that there are many things in a competition environment that can distract you. You might find yourself thinking about the spectators, your parents, your teammates, your opponent's rating, your phone, or many other things. These distractions can all make your circle of attention bigger.

You might also think about mistakes you made in previous competitions or worry about what might happen in your next match. When this happens, thoughts about the past and the future become part of your circle of attention.

A big circle of attention can make it harder to perform at your best and make it more difficult to focus on what matters most in the present moment. For this reason, players should try to keep their circle of attention relatively small and focused on the things that help them perform well.

So, what should be inside your circle of attention?

The answer is simple: the things that help you perform at your best and the things that are within your control.

It is also important to understand that your circle of attention changes throughout a competition. The things you should focus on during a lunch break are different from the things you should focus on just before a match.

In simple terms, one of your goals as a player is to keep your circle of attention focused on the things that are most important at that moment. In many situations, this means making your circle of attention smaller by reducing the impact of unnecessary distractions.

Of course, this is easier said than done. To do it well, you first need to identify the things that help you perform at your best. Then, you need to develop good habits and routines that help you stay focused on those things during competition.

You can certainly try to develop these skills by yourself. However, many players find it difficult to do so effectively. For this reason, working with a coach or a sport psychologist can be very helpful. They can help you identify what deserves your attention and develop strategies to stay focused when it matters most.

Ultimately, the goal is not to ignore everything around you. The goal is to avoid wasting mental energy on things that do not help your performance. The better you become at focusing on relevant and controllable factors, the more likely you are to perform to the best of your abilities when it matters most.