THE SCIENCE OF FLOW

Written By Shelley Izuno

Flow is a mental state where athletes are fully focused, feel effortless control, and perform at their peak. Think of it as being "in the zone." The ideal flow is different for every athlete. Some athlete’s need to be hyped up and energized while other may need to be focused and calm.

To train flow:

  • Match challenge to skill level

  • Minimize distractions and interruptions

  • Use clear goals and feedback

  • Encourage full engagement, not just results

Coaches can foster flow by balancing tension with trust and setting environments where athletes can immerse in the task without fear. Coaches should recognize that what works for one athlete will not work for another. Identifying differences in athletes will help coaches to support the ideal flow of each athlete.

Shelley Izuno https://www.gc-train.com
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