Mental training is like physical training. It is learning, conditioning, exercising and practicing with your brain. It is investing time in the development and strengthening of attitude, confidence, resiliency, maturity, stability, character, and competence. If intense physical training is done, an athlete develops muscle memory that becomes automatic if practiced enough. The same is true for training the mind. If situations are rehearsed in the mind as preparation for how to respond, it will become automatic. If the mind is not trained, it will automatically react in ways that have been learned. Have you ever noticed that when you tell yourself you are in a slump and define it as such, it is very difficult to get out of it? What you think determines what happens. Maximum performance is only accomplished by the combination of physical training and mental training.

Our mental training focuses on the four key areas of mental performance, which are the main areas of performance other than physical performance (thoughts, emotions, spirit, and relationships). Athletes train on their own schedule, individually or with team; mental training and performance is intended to be linked with physical training and performance.
 

Athletes in every sport, professionals down to youths. The earlier mental training begins, the better. Coaches should be training their team as a unit. We know that team performance is directly related to the team’s ability as a whole to manage pressure and prepare for difficult situations and opponents. An entire team can set itself up for failure just as an individual athlete can. We have heard coaches and athletes say:

• "We didn’t bring all we had to that performance."
• "We can’t seem to turn it up a notch."
• "We can’t win away from home."
• "We have never beaten that team."
• "We don’t have the talent we had last year."
• "We let the other team and fans get into our heads."
• "We weren’t prepared."

In other words, "we beat ourselves" without mental training.
 

We know that mental training results in the following:

• Sharpened focus and concentration
• Fewer injuries
• Improved performance
• Reaching a higher level of performance
• Stronger relationships
• Increased confidence, pride, and spirit
• Better utilization of strengths
• Attainment of mission and goals
• More wins
• Improved emotional management
• Confident thinking
• Greater team unity
• Enhanced motivation
• Improved communication

Perfecting the mental part of performance will improve the athlete’s effectiveness, not only in practice and performance but also in academics, at work, and in relationships.