“In the end, it's extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more than that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals.

"Then it takes desire, determination, discipline and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man.

"Put all these together, and even if you don't win, how can you lose?”

JESSE OWENS, QUADRUPLE GOLD MEDAL OLYMPIAN
(1913-1980)

Athletic Intelligence
lays the foundations and teaches you the principles, enabling you to move in the right direction. We supply the tools and the information to deepen your understanding of yourself and help you achieve your targets. Our goal is to teach you how you can be in command of what you do. Your commitment and effort will determine the level of your success.

The way you learn

Your desire

Any action is preceded by intention, or desire: hit the ball, find the target, throw it further, run faster, jump higher, change direction quicker. Your brain then notes that intention and fires up the body to execute the command. It will do this based on what it has done before and choose a route that uses the least energy – but not necessarily the best technique.

How to master change

To create change and help the brain get smarter in a skill, you need to apply trial and error. Having the courage to fail is a prerequisite – it enables you to explore the best ways to perform a task, and also to understand why one particular way works best. This takes patience, focus and attention to detail. Without the desire to explore, you will remain where you started.

Get help

Seek help and support where you can get it: observe the best and learn from them. Ask questions of yourself and those in your selected team. Others, with their experience and skills, can support you and help facilitate the training needed to achieve your goals. Take responsibility for your own progress.

How to master skill

Mastery of a skill takes 10 years or 10,000 hours of deep practice. During that time, the body changes and adapts through the lessons absorbed by the brain. When practice is mindful, it lays down a stronger, clearer pattern. Deliberate action, observation and reflection are the tools you’ll need.

How you learn

Unconscious incompetence = you lack the experience to evaluate what you have done.

Conscious incompetence = you are aware of what doesn’t feel right.

Conscious competence = you are beginning to understand what works.

Unconscious competence = you can now execute without having to think – it has become automatic. Congratulations, you’re on the road to mastery!