Michael Phelps Opens Up on Not Being Able to Use Michael Jordan Inspired Technique on Tiger Woods’ Dominant Ground: “Can’t Get Angry Out There”

Athletes use various techniques to intimidate their opponents during competitions and matches. However, most sportspersons use them to varying degrees. Besides, everyone has their distinctive methods and styles. When Michael Phelps was swimming competitively, he, too, employed methods to intimidate his opponents before events.

However, his childhood idol, Michael Jordan, inspired him to develop this technique. And it was reminiscent of what the basketball legend did before and during matches.

Why Michael Phelps does not use Michael Jordan inspired technique in golf?

Phelps made the headlines at the Rio Olympics after clinching six medals to become the most decorated Olympian. However, he also became the subject of memes at the meet. It is because of his famous staredown to opponent Chad Le Clos before the semi-finals of the 200m fly.

It may have been a new development for swimming fans at the time. But people aware of the Olympian’s fondness for Michael Jordan knew the inspiration behind it. The staredown seemed, in part, very similar to what the basketball GOAT did on the court.

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Phelps has retired from competitive swimming since then. Now, the 28-time Olympic medalist is trying to make a career in golf. The five-time Olympian has had a successful start in the sport. He even improved his 26-handicap in 2012 to an astonishing 10.5 in 2020.

However, both sports are very different from each other. As such, they require distinct strategies to win. And the Baltimore Bullet expressed this during an interview. Phelps indicated that both sports require different approaches from a mental point of view.

Articulating the different mindset one needs to keep in the sports, the swimmer said, “I think for me I have to stay out of my own head on the golf course. The more I’m in my own head, it’s not good to where it’s the direct opposite in the sport of swimming.”

“I can be in my head and piss myself off and do what I need to do. But I can’t get angry out there because the ball is going to then go all over the place,” Phelps added.

Why does Phelps use different mental techniques in swimming and golf?

It is true for most sports as what might work for one sport may not help with another. At times, the same technique may even prove to be disadvantageous. And the athlete is well aware of it. Hence he has adopted different approaches for both sports.

However, it is also important to point out that everyone handles things differently. People usually have varying approaches to coping with pressure, during matches, and in life.

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Therefore, different situations or sports require different strategies to get the best out of them. Phelps did the same.