When the “mental game” makes the difference…
“90% of the game is half mental” says Yogi Berra (New York Yankee’s former player and manager) although many other professional athletes and commentators estimate it can be as much as 85%-90% of the game. As a Mental Performance Coach and former collegiate-athlete I believe that it can vary from athlete to athlete and game to game- regardless it is AT LEAST 50% of the game.
Why does it vary athlete to athlete and game to game? Because just as some athletes are naturally taller, naturally faster and naturally flexible there are athletes who have more natural mental skills. We know how to enhance and fine tune the physical skills with technique training clinics, speed & conditioning clinics, weight lifting, etc. Mental skills also need to be enhanced and fine tuned to excel at high levels of competition.
Having mental resiliency, re-focusing skills and consistent confidence in sports leads to better performance outcomes. This is fact. When we are willing to put in the effort to build these mental skills it can be the difference between “good” and “great”.
Over the last few years Mental Performance Coaching has finally received the credit it has rightfully deserved. You cannot watch a sports docuseries these days without mental coaching being highlighted as crucial to the athletes’ performance (some of my favorites include; Full Swing, Beckham, Quarterback, Receiver (please watch George Kittle!) and Simone Biles Rising). As an athlete myself, who knew nothing about mental coaching during my career, always wondered if it was just me? Was I just too worried about playing well for the audience? Was I unmotivated in training? Was it just me playing afraid of making mistakes? One of the first times I realized it wasn’t just me was about 12 years ago while skiing out West. While I enjoyed some drinks with my group, we got talking with a guy. This guy (who I will not name names) ended up being a very successful sports team owner and son of an even more successful international sports team owner. He shared that his first dream was becoming a professional golfer. He was a prolific storyteller and hilarious. He would go on to tell us that most of the tournaments he played in resulted in him spending lots of time in the woods- but not due to his ball. He would be vomiting behind the trees as a result of his nerves and negative self-talk. It was there, at the ski lodge, that I had the stereotypical “A-Ha” moment. It wasn’t just me…many athletes out here are fighting their own minds…and losing.
Now is the time to build up young athletes- especially since more than ever- they are being exposed to higher level of competition at younger and younger ages. Adults have many responsibilities in their young athletes career; managing calendars, laundry, financial responsibility, transportation and nutrition. Mental skills and mental health need to be front and center to this list of responsibilities. Here’s what you can start changing or implementing now to help model and teach your athlete;
Reduce Outcome Thinking: Parents and coaches need to help athletes focus on the moment and the small things. Not talking about stats and team records or goals scored. Lets focus on outworking your opponent each play with focus, intensity and mental recovery. Guess what? This often times gets you the W and you have stronger morale on your team.
Focus on the positives: When your athlete comes off/out of the field, ice, water, court, etc. begin helping them name 3 positives of their play. This should be on the intangibles; the hard work, the defensive IQ, the “not quitting” attitude, the “reading the game” and having fun. If your athlete focuses on the goal they scored; reframe it as “yes, you read defense well” or “you stayed focused to finish and score”. Reframing it is not taking away from the goal or not “caring” about the goal. This small shift in mindset will allow our athletes to recover better or have healthier expectations for future games that will ultimately yield higher confidence and better performance outcomes.
Be your biggest tool: It may sound funny- but you’re the biggest tool for your athlete. How you model your own mental resiliency is a major predictor of how your child can overcome their challenges in this area. If you “talk out” how you’re frustrated or disappointed and couple it with what you’re going to do to change that negativity- your child will be more likely to try it and create healthier coping strategies.
Find balance in your schedule: We are all being tasked with higher expectations and busier schedules for our young athletes. With that said, we still need to find a balance and expose our children to other sports, activities and interests. Our athletes and children are going to be stronger and more versatile mentally if their identity is not 100% one sport. Athletics are awesome and have always been such a huge part in my life- but it cannot and should not be all of it. We need to diversify our children and help them invest in their future. Also fun fact- American Football players often train in ballet!
Ask for help!: Even when you are saying and doing ALL the “right” things. Sometimes athletes need to hear it from someone else. This can be a professional, trusted adult and coach. Do not be afraid to reach out and initiate support for your athlete.
