“I expect to make big plays, and when I don’t I’m upset about it” – Drew Brees

Often times what separates the great football mind from the ordinary ones is what their own perception of their game is. For instance some wide receivers with football confidence will make themselves big and noticeable on third and long whereas others will conveniently run into coverage as to not be seen.

The difference is that one player wants the ball because he has the football confidence that he will make a big play whereas the other has the fear in his head that he’ll drop an easy pass over the middle even before the play starts.

Fear is one of the most crippling things on a football field and believe it or not it’s a natural instinct for everybody from the starting quarterback to the backup punter.

The bad thing about the fear is that it’s not even about getting hit by the opposing players, most of the time it’s fear in one’s self.

What separates those who are consumed by that fear and those who thrive on it is the ability to compartmentalize. Don’t focus on all the possible horrible outcomes, instead be confident in your abilities and understand that failure is a learning experience.

Some players may be bound to the fact that they are just naturally fearful, like a sort of anxiety that will always be with them. The truth is there are two definitive ways to actually conquer fear and use it to your advantage – getting your body better at the game with practice and using psychology for football to strengthen your mind.

The first part is easily understandable; by lifting weights, running, practicing throwing, catching, and tackling you’ll undoubtedly become better at the physical aspects of football. While improving your body and coordination does go a long way in conquering fear it is those that can tone the muscles of their mind that break through the barriers limiting their game.

When you’ve developed football mental toughness you’ll learn how to be self-aware of your fears and downplay them in the moment. Over tension won’t limit your physical abilities and you’ll be able to play on instinct instead of overthinking everything. The football mental game is very important but it is a two-fold process – your body has to have the tools and your brain has to know how to use them.

Download the free mental game assessment and get started on Improving your Mental Game in Football.