Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is considered one of the best predictors of how an
athlete is going to play in competition. Self-confidence can be defined
as belief in your abilities to successfully perform to the level of the
challenge that faces you. One of the biggest struggles that most athletes have
is the so-called loss of confidence that results from mistakes, errors or
perceived failures. Mentally tough athletes have developed strategies to
maintain strong feelings of self-confidence even when they have made mistakes
or are losing.
Negative Energy
Negative energy (being brought down) can result as a player feels
such emotions as fear, anger, frustration or envy of others. Athletes who are
successful at managing negative energy are better able to accept difficult
situations as challenges rather than threats to their success or egos. Athletes
who attempt to play with such feelings rather than managing them will usually
show inconsistent play, excessive muscle tension and poor concentration.
Attention Control
The ability to maintain consistent focus of the task at hand
during competition is critical to athletic success. It means tuning in to
what is important and central to the moment and tuning out all other
distractions. An important mental skill is learning to catch yourself
when you lose focus and become distracted and also having strategies to quickly
re-focus. This also includes the ability to focus on small details of execution
as well as the large picture.
Visualization and Imagery Control
Successful athletes have the ability to see in their mind what
they want their body to do and successfully execute those mores or skills. They
typically use mental rehearsal techniques to visualize the actual skills which
also helps strengthen the connection between our thoughts, the pathways of our
nervous system and ending in the muscles where performance takes place.
Motivation
Motivated athletes set short term and long terms goals for
themselves which place demands on themselves but are not so high as to be
unreachable, and have the self-discipline to work in an uninterrupted way to
reach those goals. Motivated athletes persevere, even though some measure of
discomfort and self-sacrifice is involved. Motivated players set high standards
for themselves and expect excellence of themselves to reach their highest
level, no matter what the extent of their talent.
Positive Energy
Mentally tough athletes draw energy
from their passion for the game, and often play with great intensity while at
the same time feeling rather calm inside (untroubled) and even feel as if their
game is effortless.
Attitude control
Mentally tough athletes are quickly
able to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Most importantly, they NEVER offer excuses or
look to blame others or circumstances when they come up short. They pump
themselves up and ALWAYS give 100% effort.
