Mental training for athletes for commitment improvement

 Sports is one of the many things. We think that what we see on the fields is ‘sports’, but off the ground, it is more than just playing and performing. What goes beyond your eyes is an athlete’s mental training. When we talk about mental training for athletes, we’re considering everything from dedication, commitment, to tackling their lowest. Well, all of these things together create the foundations of an athlete’s ability for playing the sport. For example, golfers need to be very patient, focused and have an analytical thought process while taking a shot. 

One of the many things that an athlete needs to inculcate is ‘commitment’. In simple terms, commitment is a state or quality that keeps you dedicated to your sport. Think of commitment as the umbrella since there are three different ways in which it can be defined;

• Body language: commitment is showcased via your body language as well. You being confident, strong and getting up when things aren’t right are signs of an athlete. 
• Efforts: the number of efforts and attempts you sustain while working. 
• On and off the field: an athlete never fails to use that commitment off the field too. 

These are just a few basics of how an athlete inhibits commitment in his sports spirit and daily life. So, if you’re someone who is interested in learning more about it and get into mental training, here is a piece of commitment acknowledgement that you may learn in mental training for athletes. 

The Commitment Continuum

There are five levels of commitment, here’s the breakdown: 

Existent

If commitment is ‘existent’, it points to the existence of this soft skill in the body of the person but not in the mind. Such people physically show it through their movements but in heart and mind, they’re not engaged. Thus, it is highly likely that they won’t go further in sports and working with them can be truly difficult.

Compliant

Compliant athletes are the ‘obedient soldiers’ who will not put in efforts to go above and beyond the limits. They’ll do what is told to them, that too without full effort. Such a level is commonly found in youth level sports.  

Committed

At this level, the athlete will do what he or she is told, but also add more to their own goals, performance, discipline and motivation. They take up proper instructions and work more and improve. Even if they commit mistakes, they’ll bounce back just right and try to make things better. All in all, they are committed to doing what’s best for their performance and coaches will notice their efforts. 

Compelled

This level is the highest ones in the commitment since it mentions athletes finding a way to be successful. Often the athlete isn’t most talented but hard work is what gets them on the top. 

Obsessed

This level comes when the line of compelled is crossed. Obsession with sports is also seen here. At times, this obsession has a positive connotation. However, it can also turn into dangerous behaviour too. A few examples of negatives are; 

1. Eating disorders. 
2. Over practice of strength and conditioning training. 
3. Running or gyming more than the recommended time and its transformation into serious injuries.
4. Taking performance-enhancing drugs. 

Performing to your best potential 

After going through all these levels, think about where your commitment falls on the commitment continuum.  If you’re able to figure it out, good for you and if you cannot approach a coach who can help you to build stronger soft skills. 

Want to know where you can find the best mental training for athletes, come to Hensey Sports. Here you’ll get to work directly with our highly experienced cognitive coach who can assist you in mental skill-building, emotion regulation, goal setting, task strategies, guided discovery, and much more to cultivate your peak performance.

SOURCE URL: https://henseysports.com/mental-skills-training-sport/