BEYOND THE PHYSICAL: TRAINING THE ATHLETE'S MIND
- The Takes
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Physical strength may power an athlete, but mental resilience determines success. From Michael Jordan’s legendary “Flu Game” to Simone Biles prioritising mental health, the role of the mind in sports is undeniable.
In this insightful read, our Sports Editor, Sophia explores mental training techniques, the impact of sports psychology, and why visualisation, mindfulness, and mental toughness are just as crucial as physical conditioning. Unlock the power of the mind and take performance to the next level.
By Sophia Oboh
In sports, the body may be the vehicle, but the mind is often the driver. It may not be visible, but it should not be overlooked. The mind can be the deciding factor in whether an athlete succeeds or fails. Whilst physical training is critical and vital for success, many simply overlook the key role mental conditioning plays in helping athletes reach the highest level attainable in their sport while being able to sustain it.
The mind is vast and needs to be explored, tested, and trained like any other muscle in the body for athletes to truly reach their full potential.
An athlete’s performance can be directly linked to an athlete’s thoughts throughout a match or trial.
Mental Toughness in Action
Michael Jordan can be seen as the epitome of mental toughness. During the 1997 NBA Finals, despite being severely ill, with the game gaining the name the “Flu Game”, his mental toughness shone through and was seen in his performance, leading to the Bull's victory.
Emotions like stress, anxiety and distractions all weigh an athlete down, causing self-doubt and lowered confidence. If the mind is strong enough to manage this weight and remove some of the pressure, it will allow the body to perform at a higher level without the fear of failure.
Mental Training Techniques for Athletes
Athletes use a variety of skills and strategies to prepare not just the body but also the mind to perform at their best.
Visualisation is one of the most common techniques. In this technique, an athlete visualises themselves in a game, trial, or training session performing well. This primes the brain for success and reduces the fear of failure for many athletes, like Usain Bolt, who was known to visualise race strategies and routines ahead of time.
Positive self-talk occurs when athletes use affirmations and positive self-talk to counter any self-doubt they feel and ensure confidence shines through their performance.
Mindfulness and meditation are known to condition an athlete’s brain to stay calm under pressure and remain focused throughout; this can include breathing exercises, journaling or simply finding a spot on the court to look at when your calmness or focus strays.
The Role of Sports Psychologists
One of the most important aspects for an athlete to succeed is not only their ability and motivation but also the support they have around them. Sports psychologists focus on the mental well-being and performance enhancement of athletes. They not only have immense sports knowledge but combine it with known psychological tools like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to help athletes manage negative thoughts or anxiety. In individual sports like golf, where a win or loss is only dependent on one person, psychologists like Bob Rotella helped professional golfers with their mental game, therefore enhancing their physical performance, too.
The Growing Awareness of Mental Health in Sports
Mental health awareness in sports is growing, with famous athletes like Simone Biles being an amazing example of an athlete who has put their mental health above performance success and taken a break. Athletes now combine physical and mental training in their performance plans, valuing it as appropriately important for success. The mental strategies used, like visualisation, when used effectively, can dramatically impact how calm an athlete can feel before performing, leading to their body being able to play freely without the weight of negative emotions.
The Mind Matters
While physical training is vital to taking performance to the next level, the mind plays a critical role and should be incorporated into your life for personal growth in sports and as a person.
By Sophia Oboh
