“Congratulations to the UConn Huskies for winning the 2014 NCAA National Championship!” “My compliments also to coach Geno Auriemma for winning his ninth national title. He has accomplished this feat in record time.” Summit

Basketball is as much a mental game as it is a physical game and that was proven in the 2014 NCAA National Championship games.

The University of Connecutie men and women basketball teams were victorious making them the center of the basketball world.

A team can be in the best physical shape possible, but what separates the best from the best is their mental game.

The biggest title of college basketball was won not by being physical tough but by being mentally tough. Players and coaches adapt different techniques to improve their physical game and the team that implements techniques to improve their mental game perseveres and wins championships.

It was the first time in NCAA history that two undefeated teams met in finals. This meant of course that both teams were equally good physically, but there had to be only one winner.

Why did the Huskies win the championship? It had to be mental.

The Lady Huskies seemed focused and appeared to be confidence. They maintain composure and seemed relax. This was the Ladies Huskies record-breaking ninth championship. They were currently on a 40-0 winning streak. This cannot be any coincidence. There has to be some reason as to why the Ladies Huskies perform on a consistent basis.

The University of Connecticut has one of the best basketball programs in the country. It is not only because they have physically fit players, but also because the program is structured to emphasize the importance of a strong mental game.

The Notre Dame team was no pushover. They were undefeated until now and were brimming with confidence after their spectacular win in the Final Four. Their defeat in the final does not signify a weak mental game or focus, but signifies a better mental game of the Huskies. The names may keep on changing in the UConn team, but the philosophy remains the same. That is why they have won the title nine times.

The UConn men had an impressive win, as their hunger for the championship kept them focused on the prize. Feeling like everyone doubted them, and no one believed in them they chose to believe in themselves by saying “Goodbye Self Doubt… Hello Confidence; which is nothing more than building mental toughness.

Self-doubt occurs when the athlete feel a sense of anxiety about their ability to perform. UConn studied their opponents and took no one lightly. They worked hard and they believed in themselves. They did not limit their mental energy on what they could not do or what other thought they could not do; they stayed focused, positive, and confident and had a strong mental game. This gave them edge they needed to be the 2014 NCAA Champions.