“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
Zig Ziglar

The initiation of a solid football mind and confidence starts from within your mindset, and not from external sources. Certainly affirmations are necessary from coaches as well, but true confidence grows from a positive self assessment and focus. For this reason it is necessary to cultivate a positive self image and consistently view yourself as successful, both on and off the field.

You cannot expect to win, if you first don’t view yourself as a winner. Effective mental preparation for football must incorporate exercises to bolster your self-image and sustain a positive mindset on your abilities.

The first step to believing that you are a winner is to put in the necessary practice time and 100% effort at every opportunity.

Legendary coach Vince Lombardi summed this up when he said, “Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.” If a player practices half heartedly, or lacks commitment in the offseason, then it is difficult for them to feel they deserve success, and their football confidence plummets as a result. They know they have not given their best.

Sometimes this lack of motivation stems from a fear they won’t be successful, or even worse feeling a complete failure. It takes courage and mental toughness to commit to an endeavor with your entire mind and body and risk the disappointment of losing or poor performance. If motivation is absent, then analyze your views of your abilities and your performance both on and off the field. Do you see yourself as a winner? Do you see yourself catching the game winning pass, or making a key interception?

If the answer is no to these questions, then you must first deal with the image you hold of yourself, before you ever find the motivation necessary for the commitment required in practice to find success on the football field.

When you foster a healthy self-concept it builds football confidence and mental toughness as a result. Sports psychology for football offers these affirmations to constantly repeat in your thoughts to improve your self- image.

• I am strong! Imagine yourself successfully lifting heavier weights than you currently do. Consider the possibility of overpowering the defender who blocks or attempts to tackle you. You are strong!
• I am fast. Envision your speed beating all opponents, or intercepting a pass with your quickness. Remember the time spent on speed drills and conditioning, and know that you have put in the necessary effort. You are fast!
• I know the game! See yourself knowing the perfect play to run. You have great vision of the field and understand your role on the team. You know the game!
• I am a winner! You and your team are triumphant as the final quarter ends. Imagine raising the championship trophy. You are a winner!

The ability to find success on the football field begins with how you view your abilities. Cultivate your sports self concept so that you KNOW you will win, and you will be a winner.