With the research that has been conducted about how humans react in situations and how humans are learning, the use of psychology in sport by athletes has become increasingly important. My 15 plus years of coaching have evolved with this new evidence being discovered. Being a former athlete, as well as a coach, sport psychology has influenced me to want to learn more and put into practice what I have learned. From reading numerous books and articles, with the most recent being Play Big by Dr. Tom Hanson, my knowledge has grown. This book is the most basic and relatable for, middle school, high school and college student-athletes.
The one common thread that our teams work on day in and day out is creating confidence and working on being confident. The simplest of all quotes, “Confidence breeds success,” is a true articulation. A confident player plays well and usually thinks clearly. When a high school club has its players creating confidence and being confident, the team has success. How do you create that culture? I believe that goals, structure, and routine are critical.
- 1. Goals are “the end toward which effort is directed.” Having players set good attainable goals, allows the athlete to set up set up structure and create routine. As a coach, modeling and encouraging goal-setting shows players that having an expectation or achievement-end will set the path for them to follow. Goals in sports are like the objectives that are needed for a successful project in a classroom. Goal- setting is at the root of mental practice in sport.
- 2. Structure is craved by any learner, young and old. In a simplistic form, structure is direction. It is exactly like directions on homework assignments or the correct footwork on how to drop-step in the outfield. Having a defined pathway emphasizes focus and discipline. These traits are essential for success in the mental game.
- 3. Routine is a part of structure. A routine is a like a trigger for the mind and body to begin working. When an athlete begins his routine, he prepares by warming up and beginning to narrow his focus. A coach can do this by creating a practice plan or setting up a timeline on game-day, and a player follows this. Inside the game, routines can be set by the player. Hitters can first visualize while in the hole, then create timing and rhythm with their eyes while on deck, and ultimately step in the box to hit. Routines help the mental game evolve in a game that is ever-changing.
Setting goals, creating structure, and implementing a routine allows for athletes to become comfortable. Comfort creates success, and success builds confidence. These things are parts of the web called the mental game.