The Mental Game

Athletes have to be athletic and have some talent in their sport but along with that they have to be mentally strong. An athlete who trains and works out everyday but is mentally weak will not do as well as an athlete who works out and is mentally strong.

What does it mean to be mentally strong you may ask? Well every coach and every player will have similar but different answers. A mentally strong player doesn’t get in their head after on mistake or error. A player with a tough mental game doesn’t quit or give up after striking out or missing a goal or dropping a pass.

A mentally strong player lifts themselves up during a game and is able to take constructive critisium. They are also to come back from a mistake and make the next play or be there for another teammate who is struggling.

Becoming mentally strong or tough comes from a lot of self reflection and knowing what challenges your mental toughness. After learning about how your mind works you then have to find ways to keep yourself from beating yourself up of having negative self talk. Once you find your method that works mastering it and using it with every practice or lift you do will give you the best results.

Players who are able to have positive self talk and are able to not let one mistake effect their game are the players who make the best athletes. Although coaches look for physical skill and talent they also look for the kids who are able to keep it together mentally and when a player struggles with that they can tell and that will effect their decision.