A significant key to reaching maximum physical performance on the football field begins with an effective and dedicated offseason program. Football psychologists states that an effective offseason program must always address mental toughness as well as physical strength and stamina. There are numerous programs and workouts to use during offseason, but careful consideration to consistency is most critical to overall success and growth. Just as you cannot lift weights or run sprints once a week and expect to make significant gains, neither can developing mental strength and focus occur sporadically. The development of a strong football mind requires a conscious and dedicated effort on a daily basis.

During the initial stages of designing an offseason regimen it is critical to establish how mental toughness needs to be addressed. Is the player constantly in fear of failure? Does the player struggle with negative self talk, or lack an ability to maintain focus in the present? Certainly all these kinds of issues can be addressed, but understanding the key vulnerable areas in the mindset allows for more effective mental exercises. Allowing the weaknesses to direct the plan of improvement is the first step, and also directs which mental exercises are needed most.

Goals are the next step and a must for the development of a great football mind. It is imperative to create both short and long term goals. If no goals are established, then how will the player know if they make progress? Keep goals in a prominent location so that they are clearly visible and read often. Psychology in football promotes celebrating and tracking progress on a timeline as well. The players should not be doing the same exercises routinely over and over and over, without any diversity or increase in difficulty. Mental training should also progress in difficulty as the offseason progresses. The most important part of developing a strong mental game is consistently striving to improve focus and mental toughness at every single workout.

Finally, it is important to understand that developing physical strength and mental toughness should be worked on at the same time. Sports psychology does not promote the idea of doing a little cardio, hitting the weight room, and then finally heading to a quiet place to work on the mental game. The mind should be working while the player is running, or while they are maximizing the reps. There is no reason for the mind to be idle while the body is working out, as this is a waste of valuable time for mental toughness to improve. Establish a goal for each and every workout, and focus on achieving that goal. If there is a slow jog warm-up, then mentally repeat your goals to yourself rather than thinking about what’s for dinner. When a player is lifting weights, envision perfect performance whether it is making the catch, getting the block or sacking the quarterback. Each position player has different goals to envision, but the key is the ability to keep the mind engaged and focused while doing other physical activities. Once a player learns to work out the mind while working out the body, then they experience tremendous gains in mental toughness and overall football confidence.