So there has been a topic on my mind for some time now. Here in Vancouver, we have had the opportunity to work on the mental side of sport with a few different teachers. All have the same message, but very distinct styles and personal stories. The basic message is to focus on the process and the outcome will take care of itself.
As coaches, it is sometimes really tough to see where players are at in this aspect. You can tell them to come to you for help, but many are afraid to, or even worse, don't know they need it. However, my thoughts have not been on the utilization of positive imagery and the mental aspect, but rather our attempt at trying to quantify it.
I believe that trying to instill great performances using known methods are noble, but they can at times do more harm then good. Many athletes, including myself, who have tried to right their struggles in the mental game know all too well how hard it is to overcome such a hurdle. Imagine telling yourself not to think negatively about a play or a decision, but to focus on the positive. All good in theory, but you end up neglecting your feelings about the event in question and end up creating an even bigger mental hurdle.
I believe sports psychologists should be very careful when introducing new material to athletes. Mental training can be very helpful, but it needs to be practiced like every other skill or trait. I am not disagreeing with mental training at all, but when done halfheartedly, I truly believe it will be detrimental to the athlete.
From personal experience, I think there is something that mental psychologists overlook in their models. The X factor here is the will, determination and heart of an athlete. I will take an inspired athlete over a mentally trained one any day. You could make the argument that they are one in the same, but from my point of view, there is definitely a difference.
For example, when I was a child I was obsessed with college basketball, the NCAA tournament in particular. One year, a team from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles lost their star player, Hank Gathers. He collapsed on the court and died later that night. The team, coached by Paul Westhead, as well as the entire country of basketball fans, were shocked and saddened.
You would think this would devastate a team to lose their star player in such a traumatic way, causing such personal grief and a major emotional distraction for everyone associated with this tragedy. Although, to the country's surprise and my joy as a kid, the Lions played inspired basketball to make it into the country's Elite 8 teams. They upset Michigan and Alabama and were finally stopped by the best team in the country that year, UNLV.
Ever since this run, I have always wondered about the effect of inspiration on sport. The determination as a group to collectively channel this energy was absolutely mind blowing and incredible.
This determination and desire to succeed can also be found in individuals. Of course, not everyone will be in the same situation as LMU, but many athletes have overcome emotional, psychological, and physical hurdles to achieve success. What drives them? What creates champions?
So at this point, you're probably thinking where am I going with this? It's a fair question and here is my answer. As coaches we cannot overlook the determined and driven player when trying to put players on a field or make selections for the team. As a player, we cannot underestimate how this quality will affect our success.
John Wooden would study the background of players as far as what kind of environment they were from. He believed that certain characters shared similar qualities. I believe the same.
To be the best and to achieve success, you have to ignore all the BS and distractions and focus on your goals. It sounds so simple but is it really?
What is your response when the coach says you're not good enough to play goalkeeper? When other teams highly touted coaches call you "weak sauce"? Or when a younger teammate of yours calls you a "has been"?
What is your response when you don't get drafted into the big leagues and have to play for peanuts in front of small crowds? What is your response when you get benched? What is your response when the local media ignore your great plays and point out your mistakes? What is your response when someone tells you that you are too slow, too short, too weak?
As a goalkeeper, what is your response when your rival goalkeeper on your club team scores on you in a big high school game? What is your response when you are told you will never be that good? What is your response when you can't get a scholarship to college? What is your response to a bad goal?
Every one of these situations has happened to me and I'm sure it's happened to a lot of my peers. The goalkeepers who have had great careers in MLS are mostly guys who have gone through these types of challenges. As a goalkeeper, or any player, study the history of guys like Matt Reis, John Busch, Zach Thornton, Kevin Hartman, and Nick Rimando. Success stories can also be seen from players like Preston Burpo, Troy Perkins, Pat Onstad and even my old field playing friend, Jimmy Conrad.
The best example in our league today is the story of Chris Wondolowski. He is a guy who went from a developmental contract to a Designated Player. I've had the opportunity to work with Chris and everyone will tell you that he has the desire and work ethic of a champion.
Yes, your thoughts dictate your self image. But your heart, will, and determination give it substance.
I have been so blessed to see these role models prove skeptics wrong over the years, and mention them so you can learn from them as well. I know we have all been exposed to mental training at some point. However, most champions know that practice cannot be replicated in your mind, you have to get off your rear and put the work in on the field.
May the posts be with you....
Joe
