The
more we understand the complex inter-relationship
between mind and body the more it becomes clear
that in order to perform at our best physically
we must properly prepare and use both body and mind.
Research and experience have proven that structured
scientific mental training can help us learn to
prepare and use our mind to improve our competitive
performance. A key psychological ingredient needed
to consistently compete at our best is a winning
attitude. In this context attitude is defined as
those thoughts, feelings and emotions associated
with a specific situation or performance. For example
the thoughts and feelings we usually associate with
a penalty kick attempt from the sideline with only
one second to go in the game and the game tied,
for many players, is an overwhelming desire to make
the kick! In general if we have doubts about our
ability to put it over the black dot we have trouble
doing so.
On
the other hand if we have confidence we tend to
be much more likely to complete the conversion successfully.
There is a scientific basis for the commonly accepted
axiom that confidence at the time leads to better
conversion averages. The muscles of the body involuntarily
and instantaneously respond to thoughts, feelings
and ideas. This phenomena is referred to as Ideomotor
Activity. In practical terms what this means is
that negative thoughts and emotions tend to have
a negative effect on our muscles while positive
thoughts tend to have a positive effect.
In
almost every situation of equal or nearly equal
ability and preparation the more successful player
is usually the one who maintains the most consistently
POSITIVE ATTITUDE and pattern of thought.
Rugby
League players can and should learn to shape their
attitude and thought pattern into one of predominantly
positive and confident thinking. Many proven mechanisms
exist that can help players and coaches effectively
develop, sustain and enhance a consistent and unshakable
winning attitude.
