Expert coaches, players, and commentators constantly stress the need of maintaining a strong mental attitude. The phrase “mental toughness” is thrown about a lot, but neither players nor coaches can really pin down what it means or how it may be cultivated. Examples of this may be heard during halftime interviews with the coaches, when one coach would often say something like, “We need more mental toughness in the second half if we are going to get back into the game.”
When it comes down to it, however, what does it mean to be mentally tough?
Part of having a strong mental game is believing that you can never be completely “out of it” in a tightly contested event.
To rephrase, a person with a great mental game will keep going till the very finish. You’ll work hard and play your hardest until the very end, but there’s still a possibility you won’t come out on top with 75 hard phase 1.
Accepting victory is not an option.
A gymnast with great mental fortitude who understands she needs improve in her weakest event in order to place highly would focus intently on that event and do her best…
Even when down by ten points with two minutes left, a mentally tough basketball team will continue to fight for boards and finish hard around the hoop.
Rather of dwelling on their mistakes from the first half, a mentally tough football player will look for ways to make an impact in the second.
Developing one’s mental fortitude is not as simple as pressing a button. If you don’t practise your mental game skills, don’t be surprised if you crumble when the stakes are highest. If you never put them into action.
Having a strong mind is an admirable quality.
Mental toughness is developed when one trains to the point of exhaustion, both physically and mentally. You strengthen your mind when you keep at it until you master a talent that is difficult for you.
Practising mental toughness may be as simple as visualising yourself performing at your best despite the obstacles presented by the game. Athletes at any level may benefit greatly from developing their mental toughness via training.
Fowler said that the Ducks’ 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues was due to the resiliency of the club as a whole.
Athletes at the national level, such as those in the NHL, do not have a monopoly on mental toughness. Athletes of all ages and skill levels may develop their mental toughness via deliberate practise and training.
It takes a lot of time and effort to train one’s mental toughness. You should see a Mental Game Coach to learn the best methods for developing mental fortitude, and then put what you learn into action on a consistent basis.
Once you’ve accomplished that, and only then, will you be well on your way to being a top performer who is mentally robust.
Building a Solid Mental Game for Athletes
Analyse how your state of mind changes between times of high and low performance. Do some contrasting. What variations in results might you expect based on your state of mind? Did you feel secure, in command, and cool under pressure when things were going well for you? These characteristics are shared by people who are psychologically tough.