“Ideal physical preparation in sport will never compensate for deficiencies produced by psychological weakness which arise during competition” (2). Russian sport scientists and athletes realized early on that it is vital to recognize a training maximum or TF max (2). Because optimal motivation occurs under competitive circumstances, an athlete's TF max will be significantly less than an athlete’s competition maximum or CF max. On average, an experienced weight lifter will experience a 10 percent increase in competition lifts when compared to his TF max (with an average variance of 2.5 percent either way) (3).

Zatriosky has stated that the heaviest load an athlete can lift without substantial emotional excitement is his true training maximum or TF max.

Powerlifting and weightlifting competitions involve very few attempts to reach the athlete’s Competitive Maximum or CF max.(2) This is of paramount importance for the athlete because of extreme nervous and psychological stress.(2) If one attempts to exceed a true TF max then a higher degree of nervous and emotional stress is needed.(2) Even though physical recuperation may take place after a few days, psychological and cns recovery can take weeks.

What does this mean? It is great to be excited to train but an athlete must not over exert his psych and cns in attempts to exceed the TF max on a chronic basis. There is a time and place for everything - be wise in how you channel psychic energy! To read a lay out of the psychological preparation system I use with my athletes go to this link PLUSA Article.

References

1. Maltz Maxwell. Psycho-Cybernetics.
2. Siff Mel C. Supertraining.
3. Zatriosky Vladimir. Science and practice of Strength Training.
4. http://www.theblufish.com/articles/decorating/freelance/colorsbedroom.html
5. Harris Janet C, et al. Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning.