The ability to focus is critical to athletic success. Missy Wright -- an assistant professor at California State University -- East Bay and a former collegiate tennis player and coach -- in this video explains that athletes are bound to waver in their focus. However, she provides tips on techniques to re-establish and maintain more consistent focus.

Step one is to work on self-awareness so that you catch yourself losing focus. Next is the idea of a cue word or trigger word to help return your focus. Finally, Wright addresses the importance of eyes in maintaining focus, both literally and figuratively. Knowing when and how to widen and narrow visual focus to achieve athletic tasks is tied to the ability to maintain mental focus throughout a competition.