If it is a Bradby shield rugby match, a cricket big match or even a professional sporting encounter, the standard goal is that everyone WANTS to win. Some teams get extra help from professional specialists to gain much needed physiological and psychological support. Others hire prestigious, reputed consultants to get them the trophy/title.
Whatever you do you must KNOW the mindset of a champion, or at least TRY to be a champion with a very strong mindset.
Today we will be looking at a few ideas about the professional mind and mental set up. Many people have had many queries and questions over the years on this subject, hence I will try to teach and train the mindset of a champion (potential champion) in the most effective but simple way possible. School rugby and club rugby players often ask me ‘how can I become a tough minded player like the All Blacks, The Lions or the Wallabies’?
Let’s see …..
Theory one
Attentional Control
Guys you can’t lose concentration at any point during a match. Mistakes can cost you a game. One micro mistake will be registered in your mind forever. Attentional Control or Endogenous Control is almost as you are in a dark tunnel where you can see a small light, you focus on that light without getting distracted regardless of any disturbances around you, and reach that target, or get out of that tunnel. In a game it is the same. The ‘try line’ is your goal. Whatever happens around you your target must be the final touch down point. Players who lose their ‘attentional’ lose focus and don’t know what to expect from the game. And in most cases they are unable to handle the pressure. They have no passion for the game or the match; low team spirit. It may become the worst and most boring match for the spectators. But these players can be also the most talented players. In theory they could be very fit and strong characters. But if they lose their Attentive Powers, in my opinion they are losers.
Message to the coaches
1. Make sure you give players, simple, sharp, short, to the point instruction only. Some coaches tend to give long talks, match analysis/predictions, motivational long speeches which divert the
attention and focus of players from the game. Coaches’ team talk should ideally be 5-10 minutes only. Yes you can isolate a player or pick 3-4 players individually and have a personal talk with them if deemed necessary. The coach is the core of the team. The player believes you, depends on your guidance. Therefore create the perfect mentality among players for the game.
2.When Linford Christie ran his 100m champion sprint at Barcelona Olympics, slow motion close up re-plays showed that from 5 seconds prior to the race and end of the race, he did not blink his eyes at all. His eyeballs were bright, focused and determined …… just like Murali’s focused eyes. After the race Linford said ”I thought of this 100m track as a dark tunnel. I did not want to blink because I might lose the potential sight of the finishing point. I focus myself not on 100m targets, but for a 120m target. I focused myself for an extra 20% of the distance to survive my dark tunneled journey. I felt like I was a lone ranger. I focused to beat the sh.. out my fear…which was losing the race. You cannot rest to even blink the eye as you may lose a millionth of a second in your focus”.
Our fellows /players take lots of rest during a match or even during practice time, because they are out of focus and out of control. Their mind is wondering around. Maybe on a text from a sweetheart, or buddies who are watching the match and cheering or even maybe potential school colours or international call ups, etc.
The players
1.Visualize a game when you are at practices in which you did extremely well. Not a game you did not perform so well. Think of your winning margin as a realistic as well as with a higher margin. Don’t plan to play for a draw or to win by a point or two. Why don’t you plan to win by a 30-40 point margin?
2. Visualize your triumph. Imagine how you would win and play when you’re winning. This creates a superior mentality and less emotions of instability and fear of defeat. The moment you FEEL superior you LOOK superior. Then you’ve already won the game.
Remember the All Blacks? Remember the Haka? THEY perform, THEY start the match. The opponents just watch… just like you guys, already doubting your win and your capability.
Haka by All Blacks
Attentional Control rests with YOU. The outcome of the game is destined by the player’s mentality. You have a strong mind control, you win the game. If you are a doubting Thomas, don’t even bother walking to the ground. Sit on the bench, sit this one out, text your sweetheart. Don’t waste a beautiful game.
Happy Haka to you boys!
Doc
