Intentionally Learn to Perform Better at Your Sport…Fast!
We’ve all been there, continually trying to get better at something but it seems like the same mistakes keep happening and we just can’t figure out how to get better and take that next step up on the performance ladder! Sound Familiar? It’s extremely common and it’s typically not because you don’t have the ability but the way your trying to learn this skill might not be the most beneficial. So let’s break down intentional learning and how it can really skyrocket your performance!
What is Intentional Learning?
Intentional learning is exactly what it sounds like…Learning with intention! But it’s actually much more complicated than that. It takes time, skill and effort to really do it well. It must be a focused and dedicated effort to improving upon what you are struggling to get better at!
How Does it Work?
Typically many people will just try reps over and over again in hopes they will get better. In some cases you will get a tad better. But what if you could get way better way faster? That’s where intentional learning comes in. When you really focus in on what the issue or mistake may be, like I’m not shifting my weight all the way over so I keep falling off balance now we can really start to focus in on the exact problem and how we can start to adjust and get better on each rep!
How to Apply it!
Now the most important part…how to apply it! This will take time, effort, patience and focus but the payoff will be well worth it! Every time you perform a rep really try and hone in on what might be off about it. Maybe your knee is collapsing in, you’re not shifting your weight all the way so you’re off balance, or maybe somethings hurts or feels off. Adjust the next rep accordingly and see what happens! Did it get better, worse or maybe no different. Now based off that answer you’ll know if you need to further adjust or continue improving upon what you just changed.
It’s all about experimenting and seeing what works and then take it and run! I know this may actually sound like more work and more time but the time will pass anyway and I guarantee you’ll get better faster focuses on what needs to change then just aimlessly doing reps over and over again until you maybe get a little better. Give it a try and see what you think!
This is a very basic breakdown of how intentional learning works but it will take practice and focus to continually get better at it! Also a movement performance coach especially in the beginning learning process can greatly help you better understand where you to direct your intentional learning on each exercise! If. you have any questions or are interested in a movement assessment feel free to reach out! Thanks for reading!
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Rob Jost – ACE-CPT, NSCA-CPT
Suggested Article: Know When to Readjust Your Goals
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.