“Try not to do too many things at once. Know what you want, the number one thing today and tomorrow. Persevere and get it done.” — George Allen
As a football player, life demands a lot from you. You have to be on the field long enough to ensure that your football confidence is just right.
On the other hand, you have a life away from the field that also requires your attention. Events take place in and out on the field, and all of them can affect your football mind one way or another.
This is the reason why it is important to ensure that you have priorities and know what it entails to get in touch with your football mental game.
Below, find out more about how your confidence correlates with mental toughness and what you can do as an athlete to always stay on top of your game.
What Exactly Is Mental Toughness and What Does It Constitute?
The physical abilities of athletes determine their performance. However, this is not all there is to winning.
For a team to win, the players have to be dedicated, focused and resilient. A team without these attributes is likely to lose, and that makes the difference between winners and losers.
Mental toughness is, therefore, the gaining of control of the mind.
According to psychology in football, the ability to gain control of the mind translates into success.
A player or team with mental toughness is motivated. They have a strong desire to succeed and work hard to reach their goals. They are also confident in themselves, and as such, they can comfortably take educated risks, appreciate criticism and are aware that not performing as expected should not dampen their spirits.
According to psychology for football, they are also focuses and can take cues from the environment as needed instead of focusing on elements that are out of their control.
How Does It Relate to Confidence?
Football psychologists suggest that mental toughness and confidence have a direct relationship.
This means that as you continue to develop your mental toughness, your confidence will increase.
To do this effectively, players always have to be ready to exercise the mental part of the game.
As a coach, you will realize that as the mental toughness of the group improves, their confidence begins to become unshakeable.
As a player you will realize a boost in confidence and that you are playing differently.
For you to retain your newly gained football mental toughness and confidence, you have to be willing to play your part. Playing your part, in this case, means that you have to be committed to excellence. A player that consistently pursues these two aspects of playing football will always reap the fruits of their hard work. It may be hard to stay consistent and concentrate because life for players is full of ups and downs, but this is most certainly the best way to ensure that you stay on top of your game. It is, therefore, the duty of both coaches and players to ensure that they stay consistent in their pursuit.
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