The Rowdy Fan Drill

As you progress through your athletic career you are likely to encounter times when the pressure is going to be on and you must stay focused to perform in the moment.

This will be difficult to do if you are not able to completely concentrate and block out any negative distractions, whether they be loud fans of the opposing team, a competitor talking trash or simply doubts of your abilities creeping into your mind.

The rowdy fan drill is a great one to train your mind to stay focused on the task at hand and help to prevent distractions from impacting your performance in those must execute situations.

For this you will need to find a teammate, coach, friend or family member to help you out (siblings are usually the best at it). Their role will be to act as a rowdy fan and do anything and everything they can to distract you and make you lose your focus.

For instance…

  • Shoot 10 free-throws in a row. While you are shooting them have that rowdy fan yell at you, jump around right in front of you, remain silent and scream just as you are about to release the ball

  • As you are taking batting practice have the catcher constantly talking to you and harassing you

  • Even in sports in which the fans are typically quiet, you should still practice this drill because of the benefits to concentration and focus it provides. For instance, while hitting golf balls, have the rowdy fan throw something in your direction or yell during your backswing

Practicing these extreme and obnoxious circumstances will help you train your brain to block out any negative distractions. It will prepare you to stay focused in the most pressure situations and scenarios.

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Tom Klisiewiczstudent athletes