It’s so frustrating when you “play down” to someone else’s level, isn’t it? You always want to perform your best no matter who you are playing, but that’s so much harder to do against a weaker opponent.   Here’s what to do to avoid “playing down” to their level…

1)  Never take an opponent lightly:

Have you ever played a team multiple times and you just know that you are a better team?   You have more skill, more depth and more experience.  But every time you get out on the ice with them, you take your performance down two notches.  That team may not be great, but they are probably good enough to capitalize on your mistakes.

2) Focus on your own game:

When you are playing a weaker team and you are struggling to put it all together, it’s easy to get frustrated. And it’s even easier to start looking for excuses.

“I can’t score because the goalie is so out of position that she makes the lucky save.”

“They are so much slower than what we are used to that they get in the way of our plays.”

“Insert your favorite excuse here”.

There are always going to be bad teams, weak opponents, crappy refs and horrible ice conditions.

You have absolutely no control over any of these things.

You have to stay focused on the only thing you have control over – your attitude and work ethic.

Just because your opponent isn’t as skilled or talented as you are, it doesn’t mean that they are just going to roll-over and let you win.  You know that they want nothing more than to knock off the favorite, and will kick, claw and fight their way through the game.

Stay focused on working hard and staying positive.  Outwork, outhustle and outsmart your opponent.  Being better on paper does nothing for you out on the ice.  You’ve always got to want it more in order to win.  Don’t get frustrated if the goalie is robbing you blind or they score a lucky goal.  You know that you are the better team and by focusing on playing your game, you’ll be able to show it.