Mental Toughness For Soccer Defined and Beyond

Soccer players are constantly told by coaches the importance of being mentally tough in games, but are unclear on its meaning; let alone how to develop mental toughness.

Many soccer players view mental toughness as a genetic trait believing some soccer players are just born with the trait for mental toughness.

These soccer players often feel they are not capable of becoming more mentally tough which only serves to lower a soccer player's self-worth and confidence.

 

While personality does contribute to mental toughness, you can raise your level of toughness through disciplined, effective strategies.

If you define the characteristics of mental toughness, you can learn ways to strengthen your “mental toughness” skills through consistent practice.

Jim Golby and Michael Sheard conducted research to investigate the area of athletic mental toughness in their study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences (2004), “Mental toughness and hardiness at different levels of rugby league.”

The aim of study by Golby and Sheard was to investigate the relationship between mental toughness of rugby players and their level of at which they perform.

Mental toughness is the one mental skill most frequently identified as the key contributor to peak sports performance. 

Golby and Sheard found that mentally tough performers distinguish themselves on three interrelated levels: (commitment, challenges and control).

 

 

1. Mentally tough athletes tend to be more committed to their sport. Mentally tough athletes view potentially difficult situations as opportunities for personal and professional growth, and not as a threat. Mentally tough athletes don’t give up on themselves or their sport when faced with problems, pressure, mistakes and competition.

2. Mentally tough athletes view adversity as a challenge and respond positively to pressure in ways which enable them to remain feeling relaxed, calm and energized. Mentally tough players are more able to cope with highly stressful sporting contests and maintain high levels of competitive performance. Mentally tough athletes have developed the ability to focus and block out distractions.

3. Mentally tough athletes believe control their own destiny and remain relatively unaffected by tough competition or adversity. Mentally tough athletes feel more able to positively influence the outcome of competitions allowing them to view competitions in a less stressful manner. Mentally tough athletes are better able to keep their emotions in control and remain calm under pressure situations. If they momentarily lose their composure, mentally tough athletes are better equipped to regain psychological control.

So, in theory, all of this sounds great. The big question is how to develop the commitment, challenge and control aspects of mental toughness.

It is important to remind yourself that nothing happens overnight and any progress towards mental toughness will benefit your performance.

Try these tips to further develop your mental toughness:

Tip #1: You want to examine your attitude about adversity. Challenge those beliefs that hold you back from excelling during critical moments in games. Debate your fears. Remind yourself that challenges help you grow as a soccer player and a person.

Tip #2: Learn to use your emotions to your advantage in games while remaining in the present moment. Peak performance is all about focusing in the moment on the task at hand!