What is Mental Skills Training?
As a young athlete, I found it very difficult to control my emotions and anxiety on the basketball court. Because I didn’t know how to manage my emotions, it was hard to play for the coaches who cared about winning more than they cared about their players. I was the athlete that excelled very well, averaged a double double in points and rebounds, led the Big East in Rebounds my last 2 years, came top 12 in the nation in rebounds for my last 2 years, amongst other accolades and played professionally overseas. However, I still didn’t reach my full potential. I knew something was missing—now I can pinpoint it: the mental side of the game.
I’ve coached all age groups between 10 and 18 years old, and the one common denominator that I saw from most was the lack of mental toughness. Could the average person tell? Probably not, just as they couldn’t tell with me, but, my Sports Psychology degree taught me how to look at things differently.
Sports Psychology focuses on the mental factors that shape athletic success. But let’s talk about Mental Skills Training (MST), the real game-changer. MST focuses on systematically developing and applying mental techniques to strengthen psychological skills that improve athletic performance.
Just as physical training enhances strength, speed, and endurance, mental training strengthens focus, confidence, and emotional control. Athletes who incorporate mental training into their routines can gain a significant edge over their competition, handling pressure more effectively and performing consistently at a high level.
When it comes to MST the core components include:
Self-Awareness: An athlete’s ability to recognize and understand their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how these factors impact their performance.
Mastering Positive Self-Talk: The way athletes speak to themselves can influence their mindset. Positive self-talk can boost confidence and resilience.
Mindfulness & Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and improve concentration by keeping athletes present and engaged.
Goal Setting: Establishing clear, achievable goals keeps athletes motivated and focused. Goal setting techniques go beyond just long and short term goals.
Visualization & Imagery: Mentally rehearsing movements, plays, or performances helps athletes refine their techniques and build confidence.
Sharpening Focus & Blocking Out Distractions: Enhancing attentional control helps athletes block out distractions and stay locked in on their tasks.
Emotional Regulation: Learning to manage stress, frustration and anxiety helps athletes stay composed under pressure.
Resilience & Grit: Building mental toughness enables athletes to push through setbacks and continue striving towards their goals.
The benefits of mental skills training goes beyond just sports. The skills learned are interchangeable, by enhancing performance not only in sports but other areas of an athlete’s life, such as school, home and in the community. Benefits include:
Improved Performance Consistency: Athletes can execute skills more reliably, even in high-pressure situations.
Stronger Mental Resilience: Overcoming challenges and setbacks becomes easier.
Increased Confidence: Believing in one’s abilities enhances performance and decision-making.
Better Stress Management: Coping techniques prevent pre-game anxiety from affecting performance.
Enhanced Motivation & Discipline: Athletes remain committed to their training and long-term development.
Faster Recovery from Mistakes: Learning to move past errors quickly minimizes their impact.
Better Focus & Decision-Making: Athletes can make quicker, smarter decisions in competition.
Many elite athletes credit mental training as a key factor in their success, but let’s take a quick look at these 3 athletes:
Michael Phelps used visualization to prepare for his races, mentally rehearsing every stroke.
Simone Biles practices mindfulness and self-talk to enhance her confidence and focus.
Kobe Bryant emphasized meditation and visualization to prepare for high-pressure moments.
Mental training isn’t optional, it’s essential. Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance your game, a coach aiming to support your team, or a parent wanting to help your child succeed, implementing mental training strategies can be a game-changer. Start by incorporating small mental techniques into training, like daily visualization or pre-game mindfulness. Seek guidance from mental performance professionals and make mental skills training a priority.