Mental Conditioning

The following is from the Introduction to Sports Psychology module of the Leinster Rugby Level 1 Coaching Course.

Introduction
"You Play as you train"

The Three C's


 * Concentration
 * Confidence / Motivation
 * Composure / Coping

Concentration

 * You must decide to concentrate
 * You can only concentrate on one thing at a time
 * User 'Inner Monologue' or Mantra i.e. repeat instructions to yourself as you do something and this will help remove distractions
 * Refocus regularly
 * Use triggers 'Next ball' 'Alive'
 * Anxiety upsets focus
 * Do not waste energy on what has just happened just use 'Inner Monologue' or Mantra to refocus

Confidence / Motivation
Achievement motivated = Competitive


 * D Direction
 * I Intensity
 * P Persistence

3 Types of motivation


 * Self
 * Intrinsic Enjoyment
 * Extrinsic Money

The 'Climate' or setting created is important

Spectrum of Motivation

Performance Oriented- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Mastery Oriented

4 Key Questions


 * Why do you want to play rugby?
 * What do you want to achieve?
 * How are you planning to achieve?
 * How Important is this to you?

Motivation through Practice


 * Analyse outcome
 * Feedback from training sessions
 * Understand and explain the following (Note: especially younger players)
 * Patterns
 * Peaks
 * Troughs
 * Vary things
 * Use changing room wall
 * use score cards / Give targets

Ideas


 * Goal Setting
 * Player of the Day
 * Fitness star of the week
 * Personal contract
 * Buddy system
 * working together
 * competitive too

Reading
Inside sports Psychology Mind Cool Productions

Courses
IADT - Certificate in Sports Psychology (HETAC Approved)

http://www.iadt.ie/en/ProspectiveStudents/SchoolsCourses/SchoolofCreativeTechnologies/CertificateinSportPsychology/#d.en.1659

Other Resources
http://twitter.com/#!/droliviahurley