Presentation to Provincial Coaching Conference Mental Toughness “Improving Mental Strength through Games” John Morrison Saturday 19 th January 2008

Clear The Head, Clear The Feet Mental Toughness

Definition Invincible Attitude “Willingness to do what it takes to get the job done” “You don’t have to like it, you just have to do it”

Approach to Mental Toughness A – Abstract (Not Measurable) B – Before the Pitch C – Concept / Can do (Games on Pitch) Measurable

5 Key Elements Unshakable Self-Belief Insatiably wanting to Succeed - Keep your word, persist, take as opportunity Focus on your Vision - Be Driven Total Control – of emotions / actions Disciplined Positive Thinking - No Stinking Thinking My Mantra: See it; Trust in it; Make Sure are Training it; Feel it; Do it

How to develop Mental Toughness Invincible Attitude (Personal Accountability/Word) Positive Affirmations and Expectations Routine Behaviour Let Mistakes go quickly and Persist Positive Thinking and Self-Talk Understand what you are about, Lead and Make a Difference Use Failure as Motivational Tool to Success

9 Tips to Individualise M.T. Listen to the Experts Patience, Pacing and Persistence vs No Pain, No Gain “What Next?, Thinking” Get comfortable with the Unfamiliar Think and Speak Well of your Health Don’t be a Victim of ADS and FADS Hang out with ‘Positive’ People Focus on Desired results Expect the Unexpected

The Brain Uncovered for Coaching Short Term Memory High Level Thinking Understand/Order/Action Long Term Memory Stores/Filters/Grades from Emotions/Experiences (Coping) 1. Direction 2. Self Esteem 3. Routine Questions Problem Solving Repetition Buzz Words Mnemonics Rhythm – Music Diagrams – Images Association Colour Code Fun Play High Level Thinking Understand Able to Do Remember Recall Redo Coping - Know what Doing - Happy Doing it - Regularly Doing it Conscious Short Term Sub Conscious Long Term AutomaticMuscle

Before you Hit the Pitch Personal Accountability Talk to Players Regularly, ‘Know you Care’, in the loop Players Critique Players Profile Questions ‘What If’ Analysis In Dressing Room, Pre-Session/Game Session Outlined ‘How do you know you are ON your game’ ‘How do you know you are OFF your game’ - Trigger; Referus Phase

Before you Hit the Pitch Publish Attendance; Fitness Tests; 4 Boxes; League Tables; Hydration - Stops Social Loafing Self-Assessment Sheet - Self-Improvement Plan - Physical: Technical, Tactical: Mental Awareness of Strengths Game Principles / Game Sense Planning - Map it / Walk it! Key Words, Phrases - Team Affirmations, Consistent Message

Before you Hit the Pitch Code of Practice Agreed by Players Determine What is Excellent Performance per person Video & Re-frame techniques Goal Setting cards Reward more than Sanction / Praise & Challenge

On the Pitch Clinics – Target Product Losses Games – Promote Performance Strengths Technique, Timing, Principles, Sense, Mind, Game Fitness; Every Session Targetted Total Control: Game Pace & Above Demand Best when Conditions not Ideal This is Great Easy/Effortless No Thought Time Flies

On the Pitch Use ‘Do’, not ‘Don’t’ Muscle Memory, Repetition, Concept Calls Start with Positives, End with Something to Fix Replicate Playing Mood in Training Teach to take Responsibility and Respond, not Blame 3 Stars and a Wish Preach ‘Rest’ Encourage what you Want - Reward

Mental Toughness Technique - Clinics / Warm Up / Games / Getting Skill Back Timing / Principles - Grids / Games Game Plan Resources - Colour Code / Poles

Mental Toughness Concept Games: - Response to Scores - Get it Back / Get Another ‘Brown’ – Bad Ball Fouling – Don’t pay the price / wipe out ‘Kick-Outs’ – What if Had Ten Wrong Options – Partners Fumble – First Touch Poor Final Pass – Sliding Scales

Mental Toughness Coping With Leads – Simulations & 2 Mins to Go Wides or Balls Drop Short – Raise a Flag Poor Free-Taking – Double or Quits Early Ball – Three Part Pitch Poor Cover – ‘Mind the House’ Missed Opportunities – 1 in 3

Sessions Templates Pre-Warm Up Warm Up Fast-Feet Work Game Revisited Grid / Small Sided: 10m Runs Across Field / Full Length: 10-25m Runs Full Game: Runs Power Multi-Sprint Stamina / Speed Repeatability Cool Down Post-Warm Up Q U E S T I O N S And F E E D B A C K Technique/Defending/Scoring Game Principles Game Sense

Shared Mental Model No Franks! Coherance Cover Anticipation Analysis Set Thinking Situations Communication (Opinions/Feedback) Removes Anxiety