Reached a peak in your sport performance? Here are a few factors that you should consider

Whether playing football in the garden or competing in competitions, sports provide you with a number of benefits both physically and mentally. From improving your self-confidence, to improving cardiovascular health, to simply being a bit of friendly fun, sports can significantly impact your life. Your success and extent of achievements however is dependent on many factors, again, both mentally and physically; it is therefore important to consider as many factors as possible as potential causes if you feel your performance is lagging 

Muscular strength and endurance - Every single action in sports, however big or small involves the movement of your muscles.  You can improve your muscular strength and endurance by practicing your particular sport, as well as working out in the weight room. Studies show performing workouts with heavier weight and a lower number of repetitions are better for strength, while working with moderate weight and higher numbers of repetitions is preferable for muscular endurance.

Cardiovascular capacity - Your heart, which is part of your cardiovascular system, is a crucial muscle, because it ensures that oxygenated blood reaches muscles throughout your body that help you run, jump and throw. To improve your cardiovascular capacity, perform cardio exercises such as running, swimming, aerobics or even dancing.

Confidence - Being confident in yourself, your teammates and your skills is sometimes said to be the single most important mental factor in sports performance. Having confidence will give you a positive attitude and help you visualize and achieve success. If you are not confident that you can beat your opponents or improve upon your previous performance, your negativity may prove you right.

Strategic thinking - Thinking strategically means you understand how players interact on the field or court and how you can employ plays that will help you defeat your opponents. By anticipating the moves of your opponents and reacting to plays as they develop, you can greatly improve your chances of winning.

Injury - Whether it is a small niggling injury or something more worrying, continuing to practice your sport could be putting a negative strain on your body and increasing the time it will take to heal! It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to sports injuries so it is important to seek the help of a chiropractor, a sports masseuse or an alternative treatment.