Mental strength has long been an under-practiced skill in sport at all levels, especially in schools, where the emphasis in training has been towards the physical requirements of each specific sport. Ignoring the fact that the ability to produce one's best week in week out rests on the ability to maintain the required mental focus and strength leads to the characteristically inconsistent performances seen in high school level sport.
Tapping into one's athletic potential is the most difficult aspect of performance for any sportsman - so often a player will train his body to an extremely capable level, but will be let down by the fragility of his confidence or a lack of perseverance. Confidence and determination, although combining to consist of a large portion of what is considered to be mental strength, are not the only factors. The ability to handle external pressure and the physical symptoms of nervous energy such as lethargy and feelings of weakness are also important tools in reaching one's potential.
It is not difficult to appreciate the effects of a player or team's mental state on their performance - even the most idle observer will notice a player's unwillingness to engage in the game after several mistakes or even the infighting amongst a struggling team. It is very rare, if not impossible (barring injury), for a player's physical talents, skills or fitness to diminish during competition, leaving the only explanation for poor performance being a problem in the mental process of accessing those attributes.
Mental strength is, of course, a continuum along which we all exist. Some are further along this path than others, as is evident by certain players' fortitude and consistency. It may change from time to time or during a season, as we get older or as we become more experienced. It is, however, something that can and must be practiced and can be greatly improved, especially as so little time and effort has been put into improving it thus far. There are several techniques by which to improve one's mental state both during practice and competition, some of which i have already used with the SACS First, U15 and U14 teams. These processes include breathing exercises, relaxation and visualization, a very helpful summary of which can be found here: http://www.tampabaylightningcare.com/columns/player-development/ten-ways-to-improve-your-player’s-mental-strength/
Mental strength, as I have noted many times with the players, is something that cannot be forced upon the player or developed without their absolute commitment. Unlike physical fitness, it cannot be developed against the will or begrudgingly. It is my wish that you, the players, as well as the parents and coaches of SACS Water Polo climb on board with this endeavour and attempt to develop the tools that can help our athletes perform consistently to their best abilities. I look forward to writing future blogs which will provide the means by which we can improve mental strength through exercises and practice. For now, I encourage you to explore the world of mental toughness on your own and practice the exercises we have worked through. There is no better place to start than at the beginning, as each stride will be a giant leap toward a stronger, more consistently successful SACS Water Polo club.
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