The Mental Edge: What Separates Good Athletes from Great Ones
The Mental Edge: What Separates Good Athletes from Great Ones
A Guide for Players, Coaches, and Parents
By Enio Sacilotto
Recently, I came across an interesting video clip from Global Morning News in Edmonton. The interview featured Elizabeth Stewart, the Head Coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears golf team, discussing the significance of mental training for athletes.
The main message is that while athletes spend countless hours on physical conditioning and skill development, few dedicate enough time to enhancing their mental game. Coach Stewart emphasizes that the difference between good athletes and great ones lies in their mental resilience. As athletes advance in their sports, the technical and physical skills of all competitors become nearly identical; thus, it is the mental aspect that often sets them apart.
The Importance of Understanding Your “Why”
One fundamental mental tool applicable in sports and life is understanding one’s “why.” This involves exploring internal motivations: Why does an athlete engage in training and competitions? The journey in sports can be challenging, often requiring elite athletes to step out of their comfort zones.
It’s also crucial for parents to recognize their young athletes’ “why.” Do their children participate in sports for the love of competition or merely for fun? Parents should practice empathy, understanding that the athlete is the one actively participating, not them. Coach Stewart explains, “How does an athlete relate their experience in sports to their reasons for doing it? Understanding the ‘why’ is fundamental. Is it for social connections, fun, fitness, or the drive to win? This understanding helps in orienting the process around mental training.” Each athlete is unique, but knowing their ‘why’ grounds them in their contributions to a team.
Coach Stewart further notes, “Parents should celebrate process goals rather than just outcome goals. This approach is essential in preventing burnout, especially as children approach the university level. Athletes who are intrinsically motivated and understand their ‘why’ tend to stick around the longest and can better handle the adversities that arise during training and high-level competitions.”
The take-home message is clear: athletes should discover their “why,” while coaches and parents should facilitate this understanding. Knowing your “why” helps establish clear purposes, set goals, and create actionable plans.
A Simple Tool to Discover Your Why: download the FREE tool here.
Confidence and Preparation
Preparation is key to managing pressure. Good coaches equip players with tools to handle difficult situations rather than teaching them to avoid them. For instance, in golf, Coach Stewart instructs her athletes to execute the best shots given the circumstances.
Confidence is closely tied to preparation. An athlete who does not invest time in studying or practicing before an exam or competition will likely lack confidence when it matters most. Therefore, effective preparation leads to confidence. Outlining a preparation plan that includes techniques like breathing (to calm down and stay present), positive self-talk (focused on growth), and visualization (understanding that “what you see is what you get”) can significantly benefit athletes in high-pressure scenarios.
Time Management
Effective time management is critical for athletes, whether in high school or at university. Student-athletes must balance various responsibilities, including academics, sports, family time, and social life. They also need to prioritize their nutrition, sleep, and training.
Both coaches and athletes should focus on the big picture. How does one plan to manage their time throughout the year? What strategies will be used to balance activities in the off-season phase and during the competition phase? A well-structured year-long time management plan is vital for building confidence and achieving success.
For young athletes, it’s important to communicate with coaches, trainers, and parents to navigate these demands effectively.
Keep in mind that enhancing your mental skills can provide you with a significant advantage!
Enio Sacilotto is the President of International Hockey Camps and runs the Mental Edge High-Performance Training. Enio has 44 years of coaching experience (professional hockey in Europe and the Victoria Royals (WHL)). Currently, he coaches at the Burnaby Winter Club Hockey Academy, is the coach of the Serbian U18 men’s National hockey team, and is the Head Coach with the Burnaby Steelers. If you have questions or are interested in his services, contact Enio at enio@coachenio.com or call 604-255-4747. Website: www.coachenio.com. Enio works with teams, associations and one-on-one.