Keys to Good Body Language by Dr. Paul Dennis
“Body language and how you choose to portray yourself can often be among the most underrated aspects of sport” wrote Toronto Sun sports columnist Steve Simmons. Simmons is so right! It can be the difference between having the chance to succeed or giving an opponent more motivation to beat them.
YOUR BODY LANGUAGE AFFECTS YOUR OPPONENT
What messages do athletes send with their body language? For example, a discouraged hockey player might skate slowly to the bench with their eyes fixated on the ice, with their shoulders rounded and stick dragging behind them in one hand. If so, the message that resonates for all to see is this player is feeling sorry for him/herself. In this instance, their opponent will sense their vulnerability and will become more energized as a result. In short, poor body language provides opponents with a significant psychological advantage. More importantly, if their coach observes poor body language in the form of sitting quietly on the bench with head down and not supporting teammates, then h/she might interpret that the player has ‘quitter-type tendencies’. The coach will not have the confidence to continue to play them. In addition, those negative emotions that are causing the player to portray poor body language are contagious. Their teammates could easily become discouraged and adopt similar poor body language.
DON’T GET LOCKED INTO NEGATIVES
One possible explanation for poor body language is because as performance deteriorates or mistakes occur more frequently, some players become locked onto the negative emotions they are feeling. Consequently, they are more likely to get into a downward spiral and poor body language results. Players must have the ability to refocus and come back strong. This is accomplished by controlling the controllables, which includes how they choose to portray themselves to others. As challenging as it might be, they must do everything within their power to remain focused and upbeat.
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP – MISTAKES HAPPEN
Even if players feel discouraged, they can maintain a sense of optimism and determination through positive body language. Positive body language includes holding the head high and having a “more determined than ever” facial expression. It’s imperative that players refocus on the task at hand.
Refocusing can be accomplished by restructuring thoughts which means shifting focus from what is wrong, to what is right about one’s performance. Mentally tough players use adversity to their advantage by remaining optimistic in their outlook. Mistakes are inevitable and what is most important is how players will respond to the mistake. It’s important to remember that if an opponent can sense fear from one’s poor body language, they will have a superior advantage. Engaging in negative thinking will influence body language and give the impression one is giving up. There will be times when a player lacks confidence and the ability to remain focused and upbeat. But at the very least, they can ‘fake it’ by adopting positive body language.