The flow state: the feeling of 110 percent

In high-intensity moments, the stadium fills with coaches shouting, cheers erupting and pressure building. Some athletes find themselves shutting out these distractions and enter a state of heightened awareness where every pass, shot and action feels precise as their surroundings slow, and they feel faster than ever before.

This sensational feeling is known as the flow state or being in the zone. Psychologists say the flow state is a state of total focus and an instinctive sense of control over your mind and body. They describe it as when athletes become completely immersed in their sport and game,  resulting in the athlete’s performance rising and the feeling of being able to use 110% of their abilities and skills. While being in the flow state, the athlete’s actions and thoughts are directed toward their primary focus.

“During really important games, I block out all the crowd noises, the players shouting, and just focus on my own game. Especially during playoff games, that’s when I really have to lock in,” varsity boys soccer goalie captain senior Frank Tang said. “Sometimes, the [referee] can make calls that you don’t agree with, your team messes up during the game or you get scored on, [and] that’s where a lot of the angry emotions come out. But trying not to get too angry and managing those emotions is really important.”

As many athletes from different sports enter the zone differently and experience various emotions, basketball players enter a state that unleashes a level of performance beyond their normal abilities. Varsity basketball shooting guard captain senior Kiko Guevara entered the zone during one of his games as a junior against Diamond Bar in the fourth quarter in overtime, where Walnut won 68-61. He started off by making two baskets in a row before making consecutive shots despite the level of difficulty. 

“I feel better than anyone else on the court. I feel like I can go out there, and no one can stop me. No one can block my shot, and I can’t miss [when] I’m in the state,” Guevara said. “When I’m in that flow state, I feel like everything just changes for me. When you enter that zone, your confidence goes up, and you feel better to go out there and play hard. I don’t even feel tired, [and] everything for me just flows.” 

For other athletes, the feeling of entering that flow state is linked through trust and the focus of playing their hardest in their sport. Varsity basketball point guard captain senior Jacob Ventura felt this sensation when he scored a buzzer beater against Verbum Dei High School on Aug. 18, 2025 during the Mecca tournament in Long Beach and won when his friend and teammate made the assist. 

“Being in flow state, it’s just playing calm and playing confident at the same time. I feel faster when I play, and stronger [and that] I can just keep getting better from there,” Ventura said. “I felt thankful because coaches put me in that situation, my teammates passed me the ball, and I trust my teammates and the coaches trust me.” Ω