What does it mean to play "in the zone?" Athletes in all sports strive to get themselves into it. But what does it mean? How do you get there? Getting in the zone takes hard work, commitment and talent. Read on and you'll have a better sense of what to expect when you find yourself there.

The zone is that special feeling of playing like you can do no wrong --where everything goes your way. It's where you are so involved and connected in what you are doing that nothing else seems to matter. You have a sense of invincibility, which is vital because that complete confidence is what makes your body relaxed and your mind clear so that you can be in the flow.

Playing in the zone usually encompasses these characteristics:

1. Relaxed: You are energized, yet relaxed - it's a subtle balance of quiet intensity. Your mind is calm and your body is ready to go. You feel relaxed, but you're able to move with great strength.

2. Confident: You have no fear. Your confidence is clear by your level of play, your walk and your facial expressions. You're completely self-assured and poised as you play the game. You do not hope or wish to be successful, you expect to be successful.

3. Completely focused: You are totally absorbed in the moment. You have no memory of the past and no qualms about the future; you are here now. The only thing you are concentrating on is the task at hand. You are oblivious to everything else going on around you - consumed by the moment.

4. Effortless: Things just sort of happen with little or no effort whatsoever. All of your moves are smooth and for that time, your sport, whatever it may be, seems like the easiest thing in the world. You are in a state of mind and body where you can accomplish great things with little effort.

5. Automatic: There is no interference from your thoughts or emotions. You are on autopilot - reacting to whatever comes your way. Your body seems to know what to do without any directive from you. There is no conscious thought involved; you're going strictly on your instincts.

6. Fun: When you're in the flow, the enjoyment you feel is incomparable. You feel like your sport is giving you back something that you can't get from anyone or anything else.

7. In Control: What you think and want to happen will. You have ultimate command over your emotions as well - you are controlling them, not the other way around. You control your own destiny. When you feel this strong of a command over your game, great things are sure to happen. The authority is yours and no one else's.

Being in the zone means doing more than anyone else thought possible, at times doing even better than your own expectations. This zone is the definitive reason why people are motivated to participate in sports. It's such an incredible feeling to go out there and have all your hard work pay off and see everything fall into place perfectly.