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101 Mental Game
Stomping new Tricks
22.01.2025

The mental side of progression involves cultivating patience, building confidence, and overcoming fear while staying focused and keeping a positive mindset.

Below, we explore practical strategies to help you strengthen your mental game and approach new tricks step by step.

101 MENTAL GAME - stomping new @Superpark_Planai

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When it comes down to mastering new tricks @Superpark_Planai, it’s reasonably easy to focus on the physical aspects of skiing and snowboarding.

Learning the progressions of new tricks requires good timing, body control, and coordination, which can all be trained on and off snow.

Many underestimate the crucial role of one's mental game. It can be the key to learning new tricks that make one feel smoother and, ultimately, less intimidating.

 

Here are some key points:

  • Adopt a Growth Mindset
  • Focus on the process
  • Break it down
  • Manage your fear
  • Consistency is key
  • Visualise
  • Positive self-talk
  • Embrace the community

Trust the process!

A growth mindset embraces the idea that skills and abilities can be developed with effort, persistence and learning. Failures won’t feel like setbacks but rather as opportunities for learning. So instead of thinking, “I can’t land this trick”, shift your focus to “I’m learning to land this trick, and every attempt gets me a step closer”. This thinking fosters resilience, allowing you to push through frustration and continue improving even after more challenging sessions.

 

This leads us to our next tip. Landing a new trick is the ultimate goal, but it’s equally important to focus on the process rather than the outcome. Every try is a step closer to stomping the trick you’ve set your mind to. On a scale from 1 to 100%, every attempt is a couple of percent closer to 100%. Being process-orientated keeps you grounded and prevents frustration.

 

Break it down and focus on one thing at a time. For example, focus on finding the correct speed and pop-timing before concentrating on other parts of the trick.

Focus on mastering individual components of the trick before executing the final complex trick immediately.

For example, if you’re learning a 540 spin, solidify all directions of rotations of 180s before linking them to 360s before adding your solid 180s to your 360s to land a 540 – make it make sense. Every trick has a progression. The more solid your components are, the easier it is to land more complex tricks. Set your focus on your body position and how you initiate the spin, and remember to spot your landing and how you land. Once you feel comfortable, you can progress to the complete trick, knowing you’ve established foundational skills!

 You’ll feel more fulfilled knowing you’re mastering the process—not just chasing the result.

Learn to manage your fear and remeber CONSISTENCY IS KEY!

This approach will also help you manage your fear. Freestyle skiing and snowboarding can be scary, but getting used to features and airtime takes time and repetition. Fear is a natural response when attempting something new; learning to control it is the key to progressing. Take small, deliberate steps to push your boundaries. Start new tricks on easier features, breaking them down and working your way to the trick you’ve set your mind on. Progression is all about staying consistent with steps that feel right to you.

 

Consistency is key. Mental resilience and progression in the Snowpark require regular practice. Tough days help build your mental toughness, and repetition creates muscle memory. The more frequently you practice tricks, the easier it will feel to remain calm and focused, even under pressure. Take breaks when needed to stay fresh and mix different kinds of training – Rails one day, jumps another and give yourself time to reflect on what works for you.

 

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VISUALISE, be KIND o yourself und love the COMMUNITY!

Visualisation is a powerful tool for building confidence and preparing your body for the physical execution of a trick. Take a few moments to close your eyes and mentally rehearse the trick: Picture yourself executing each step flawlessly, from take-off to landing. Imagine how the snow and airtime feel, your movements, and the rush of landing the trick.

The more vividly you can imagine your success, the more likely you are to stomp the trick you have in mind.

 

Positive self-talk - Be kind to yourself. Instead of focusing on potential failure, remind yourself of your past successes and progress. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s landing a trick for the first time or simply feeling more comfortable with a feature. Positive affirmations like “I can do this” or “I’ve got this” can also help you stay grounded and focused when it’s time to go for that new trick.

 

Skiing and Snowboarding often come with a tight-knit community of riders. Having a supportive crew around you can be incredibly motivating. Share your goals and work together, push each other and hype even the seemingly most minor steps towards the tricks you and your friends want to learn.

Supporting each other and witnessing others push their limits can be inspiring – celebrate each other!

Final thoughts: ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Building a strong mental game is as crucial as developing physical skills when progressing in snowpark skiing and snowboarding. A positive mindset, patience, and consistent practice will go a long way in helping you overcome mental barriers, land new tricks, and feel more confident in the snowpark.

Remember, progression is a journey, not a race. By focusing on the process, embracing challenges, and celebrating small victories along the way, you’ll find that learning new tricks becomes more rewarding and enjoyable. So, the next time you’re standing at the top of a jump or feature, take a deep breath, visualise success, and trust in the steps you’ve already taken.

Your mental game is the foundation for every new trick you’ll conquer.

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