The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible
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TEN ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF THE MENTALLY TOUGH COMPETITOR (6 – 10)
6) Accept that becoming mentally tough requires sacrifice. You must choose to be a normal “kid” or a champion. You have to pick one…because you can’t be both.
Mental toughness requires you prioritize your time- putting everyday normal “kid stuff” aside, most of the time, as you become athletic royalty.
7) Develop the ability to employ the art of intimidation and to raise the adrenaline level at crunch time.
Raising positive energy at crunch time inflates the athlete’s performance, while systematically deflates the opponent’s performance. Intimidation begins pre-game as the athlete morphs into a “warrior.” Staying in that ‘warrior’ mind-set or on-script throughout the competition is essential.
8) Choose to be a courageous competitor – playing to win versus playing not to lose.
Applying the strategically correct system the moment demands under pressure, without fear or hesitation, no matter the situation is essential.
9) Master the ability to handle adversity – such as poor start times, adverse elements, occasional sickness, minor injuries, and/or gamesmanship.
Choosing to see disadvantages as challenges versus obstacles too difficult to overcome is mental/emotional toughness.
10) Persevere and be willing and able to remain on course and stay on-script longer…
Most good athletes are able to perform like a ‘Pro’ occasionally. Greatness stems from an athlete’s ability to perform good after good. Consistently remaining in the peak performance state is essential in the higher echelons of sports.
