Flow is the mental/emotional state in which optimal performance can be achieved. The effects of Flow or “being in the zone” are described as feeling strong, attentive, in effortless control, unself-conscious, and at the peak of all abilities. It is a magical and unique zone where performance is extraordinary and consistent, instinctive and flowing. You have probably experienced this at one time or another during your best performances. To become an elite athlete and perform at the highest level consistently, you must understand the conditions in which flow occurs and also how to enter into this phenomenal state.
Founder of the flow concept Csíkszentmihályi, explains that flow is likely to occur when an individual is faced with a task that has clear goals that require specific responses.1 In cases where Flow has occurred there is consistent evidence suggesting that there is a direct correlation between the challenge level of the goal and necessary skill level to attain it. Csíkszentmihályi, has developed a flow model to show the relationship between the goal and necessary skill level. 
What we see from this model is the different emotional states that you might experience during the course of a season. Games that are low in challenge and require low skill usually result in apathy; whereas games that have a high challenge and demand high skill result in prime conditions to reach flow. Because the environment and challenge level are often times out of the player’s control, reaching flow can be quite difficult. The following 5 keys have been identified to help the athlete control their emotions and level of focus to reach flow under a variety of different circumstances.
1. Be mindful (aware, but non-judgmental) about your thoughts and feelings as you approach your competitive environment.2
2. Decide whether you feel anxious because your perceived skill level is not high enough to match your perceived level of challenge, or if you feel somewhat bored because your perceived skill level is above you’re your perceived challenge.2
3. If anxious, use an arousal control technique, such as relaxation, to relieve your anxiety; If bored use a focusing technique, such as imagery, to increase your concentration.2
4. Visualize yourself becoming fully engaged, prepared, and confident when you step up to your opponent.2
5. Let yourself become engaged, feel the Flow state of mind, and have fun competing.2
References
1Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1997) Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life. Basic Books, New York.
2How to achieve the "Flow State" in Athletics and Life. (2010, October 1). Retrieved July 10, 2015.
There is not enough emphasis on this in sport, in coaching or guiding athletes who practices and games. I really like the "visualize yourself becoming fully engaged," and how to be prepared to face an opponent. So much time and practice is put in with teammates and then what? But the final emphasis on learning to have fun is so important. This was very good - very thought provoking.
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