Top Five Traits of a Mentally Tough Player
We see extremely mentally tough players all around us- at our club, in tournaments and among the pros.
What is it that they have? In this article I am going to break down five of the top specific traits players have that make them mentally tough.
1) Mentally Tough Players Play One Point at a Time
To really be in the zone, you have to be in the moment. This includes fully having your attention on the task at hand. One thing that gets in the way of us accomplishing this is having our focus on what happened in past points or what may happen in the future.
Mentally tough players are only thinking of the point at hand, like it is the only one that exists. They do not dwell on old pints, however good or bad they were. Additionally, they do not think of anything beyond the current point, how great it is going to be to win or how far they are from getting there.
2) Play to Win
Mentally tough players know that the only reason they are out there is to win. Nothing else. They are not out there to be nice, gain admiration, be liked or mess around in any capacity. Winning is the job to be done here. They not only know this, but act in line with it. Additionally, mentally tough players do not play down to others or give themselves breaks during a game or match. This includes having a workman like ethic towards achieving victory.
3) They Leave the Drama Aside
Mentally tough players have no interest in drama. They avoid getting angry or upset. They do not tolerate letting themselves get down in the dumps, having low morale or kicking themselves. They also do not whine or complain. Mentally tough players do not indulge in any of these things, but stay focused to win.
4) Mentally Tough Players Keep Their Opponent Down
Once a mentally tough player gets the lead, they not only keep it, but expand it- relentlessly. They do not give their opponent any window to get back in the game or match. Once they have the lead, they not only keep up the same focus and intensity that got them winning in the first pace, but take it up a notch. By staying at the top of their game when they have the lead, mentally tough players keep their opponents down and out.
5) They Are Closers
Mentally tough players do not choke. They capitalize on opportunities when it matters the most. When it really counts and the pressure is on, they are able to perform and produce the result. Mentally tough players are comfortable and effective in finishing out a game or match.
Tags: athlete, athletic performance, focus, mental conditioning, mental toughness, mental training, performance anxiety, Playing as Well In Competition as you do In Practice, sports coaching, sports focus, sports mental toughness, sports performance, sports performance anxiety, tennis coaching, tennis mental toughness