The Zone

Im just writing this post while I sit and watch Micheal Clarke get his triple century in the Sydney test match. An amazing acomplishment and one that not many cricketers can ever say they have achieved. To me he looks like he is just in the 'Zone', can barely do a thing wrong, everything he hits is right off the meat of the bat, his timing, his thoughts, everything is in tune with his intentions. The game would almost seem to be in slow motion to him.

In my years of playing basketball it was a rare and wonderful thing to be in the 'Zone'. You just feel like everything you do will work and even if you make a mistake, you will make up for it the next play down. If only you could bottle that feeling, I would take a swig every day!

It makes you realise that sports are such a mental battle more than anything. You see the athletes that are really struggling for no apparent reason. Their thoughts are all generally negative, the complete opposite of the 'Zone'. Some people feeling invincible, while others feeling so vulnerable, what is the key?

The most recent 'Zone' moment for me would have been a game I played for the Mt Gambier Pioneers when we were in Tasmania. We were playing the N.W. Tassie Thunder in a game that didnt really mean a whole lot in terms of positioning on the ladder, but it was one we really needed to win after a rubbish start to the season. I cought fire early in the game and didnt really look back. Scoring from all over the place and connecting on multiple 3 pointers, I was just feeling it. I didnt ever seem to get tired, I wanted the ball at every opportunity and felt like I couldnt put a foot wrong. Ending up with 42 points and 17 rebounds in an overtime game was definately something to remember.

Everyone can probably relate to that feeling. Whether in work, leasure or life in general, there is probably a time everyone can look back on and remember a similar amazing feeling. Something that made you feel on top of the world and enabled you to forget anything bad for a short while, seeing everything with optomism and positivity.

Whether you are in front of thousands playing a cricket match or by yourself doing something you love, keep striving for the 'Zone', its worth it.