Ask 10 different people on how they would define "mental toughness" and you might get 12 different answers.

Regardless of how the concept is defined, most will agree that developing mental toughness in players is just as essential as developing good ball skills.

In the Online Resource Library are two articles dedicated to the topic. In "Mental Toughness for Coaches and Players," Juan Pablo Favero notes the seven qualities that successfull, mentally tough athletes share that coaches should also possess to lead their players. They are:

• A strong desire to succeed
• Positivity in the face of challenge and pressure
• Controlling the “controllables” mentality
• A high commitment/balanced attitude approach
• A high level of belief in self and team
• A process orientation
• Positive communication and body language

Favero goes on to discuss ways coaches can build these qualities in themselves and their layers in practical ways.

Erika Carlson in "Mental Toughness: Developing Self-Awarness" notes her version of a practical way for coaches to enhance mental toughness in players. She says "reflective practice is a relatively simple but incredibly effective process that allows athletes to exploit all playing experiences for their benefit. This writing task aids players in enhancing both their kinesthetic and mental and emotional awareness during both training and competing."

Another resource available to coaches needing mental toughness information is a recent NSCAA video chat with Provelop. Founder Tony Faulkner provided a few tips for coaches to build this mental toughness quality in players. He noted that Provelop breaks down mental toughness down into four components:

• Emotional control
• Confidence
• Concentration
• Motivation

You can watch the full, 30-minute chat below.

Additional Information

Coaching Education Video Chats

Psychology Articles in the Online Resource Library

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