PUSHING THROUGH THE MENTAL BARRIER

Bill Mountjoy, Retired high School and College Coach    Often there is a very fine line between a winning and losing effort. More often than not, this is due to the athletes’ mental concentration. This concentration cannot be developed in the span of a few days or hours before the contest. It must be worked on weeks and months during the training season to develop sound habits. Athletes must be prepared to compete in a variety of situations. Namely:  (1) heat,  (2) cold,  (3) wind,  (4) fatigue,  (5) falling behind,  (6) hurt,  (7) angry, etc. All these situations require that they show a little more class and concentration than the opponent. How do we prepare for maximum concentration? Let’s start with the basics. First, have a goal. Second, have a plan to achieve that goal. Third, begin the plan and follow through. Every good athlete is