Do you want to know the score round by round? Or would you rather focus on the next jump? Each approach has its own merits and pitfalls. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both.

 

Watching the Scores

 

For some competitors, watching the scores after each round can be incredibly motivating. The sense of competition fuels their energy and pushes them to perform at their best. Seeing how close they are to their rivals might inspire a stronger push or encourage them to adjust strategies to be more aggressive or conservative based on rankings.

 

Early in my 4way career, I spent several seasons not looking at scores. I found the isolation robbed the meet of a lot of the fun. In the main social areas, where videos are constantly showing the judging and scoreboard, the energy is high, and being part of that environment can feel essential to staying connected with the meet. 

 

Besides, scores and rankings are often hard to avoid. Unless you are truly committed to staying out of any social situation and doubling down on the earplugs, you will probably overhear something to let you know where you stand.

 

Not Watching the Scores

 

On the flip side, watching scores can distract from what truly matters: focusing on the next jump. When teams fixate on scores, they can fall into the trap of focusing too much on outcome goals rather than process goals. This often leads to a roller coaster of emotions, heightening nerves and shaking confidence.

 

The emotional ups and downs of watching scores can bleed into future rounds. Whether the team performs well or poorly it can affect the mindset going into the next jump. Over time, the pressure of maintaining a position or catching up can detract from the focus and composure needed for consistent performance.

 

If You Do Watch…

 

If your team chooses to monitor scores, it’s important to do so mindfully. Here are a few tips to make sure score-watching doesn’t derail your performance:

 

– Respect your teammates who may prefer not to watch. Give them space and time to stay focused on their process.

– Respect other teams that choose not to watch. Don’t inadvertently share scores or rankings with those who intentionally avoid them.

– Exit the emotional roller coaster by keeping each jump its event. No matter how good or bad the scores are, approach every round with fresh energy.

– Keep process goals at the forefront. Whether the scores are good or bad, focus on the things you can control—your performance and mindset.

– Don’t spam the score button. Constantly refreshing the scoreboard could be a sign you are too wrapped up in past jumps.

 

If You Don’t Watch…

 

For those who decide not to keep track of scores, the strategy is all about avoiding distractions and maintaining focus:

 

– Stay away from the main social areas where judging happens. Even if you don’t plan on checking scores, the buzz of conversation and reactions can be distracting or emotionally charged. Consider renting a team room if it is an option.

– Be prepared to hear scores accidentally. People will talk about it. Friends may congratulate you, or teammates might slip up and share something. Prepare yourself mentally for that possibility so it doesn’t throw you off.

– Delegate score-watching to someone else, like a coach or knowledgeable ally. This ensures that your team doesn’t miss any critical issues, like a misjudged round or a discrepancy that needs addressing, while you stay focused on your jumps.

 

Conclusion

 

Whether you watch scores during a meet or keep them a surprise until the end, there’s no right or wrong approach. How it aligns with your team’s mindset and goals matters most. If you find that watching scores motivates you and keeps you in the competitive spirit, go for it—but stay grounded and focused on your process. If staying in the zone and avoiding the emotional highs and lows is more important, opt out and keep your eye on the bigger picture. Whatever you choose, make sure it serves your performance and not the other way around.

 

Still trying to decide? Share the article with your team and start the conversation!