Rugby is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The
world’s top players didn’t get to where they are today relying on talent alone.
Success takes drive and dedication to both mental and physical training.
Ever
wondered why players at the end of their careers play consistently better than
their younger counterparts? It all comes down to mental toughness.
International Rugby Academy (IRANZ) MD Murray Mexted
recently wrote a column on The Roar extolling the virtues of making mental
toughness a training priority. IRANZ places focus on developing mental
toughness, defining it as “the ability to perform at your maximum every time
you play.”
Peak Performance begins in the mind. While players naturally
develop the mental skills and mind management techniques as they become more
experienced, teaching them to a player (yes, it is teachable) at the start of
their career will help them become more successful on and off the field.
Players need to realise everyone is motivated differently,
find what works for them and develop it into a process. Meanwhile the coaches
need to finely tune each player, working with them to turn what works for them
from process to habit.
Rugby is all about the challenge, and mind management is the
greatest one facing coaches in today’s game. The game is full of incredibly
skilled players, but it’s up to the coaches to tap into their mind and find
what motivates them. No easy task, but it’s what the great coaches in sport and in business are able to
do.
For further information on how Positive Leadership can help you become mentally tougher, please contact: gavin.hastings@positiveleadership.co.uk
