We spend a lot of time as parents, coaches, and players focusing on skating and skills development as well as strength conditioning. Every player needs to develop a winning mental game. I advise every player I work with to read the book "Hockey Tough" by Saul L. Miller. It's a great introduction to the mental side of the game.
As noted by Mark Messier in the introduction "Hockey Tough" is about strengthening the mental game for hockey or any sport. Saul Miller points out that "hockey places extreme demands on the mental capacities of the athlete". Saul Miller notes that the five (5) keys to being hockey tough are:
1. Having the desire and drive to be the best player you can be...
2. Being hockey smart. Its having a positive productive on-ice focus.
3. Being in control of your emotions.
4. Being determined and committed to doing what's necessary to improve.
5. Having the strength and resilience to weather the bumps, bruises, frustrations and fatique of a long season.
There are also a number of great techniques that Saul Miller discussed as well to help players achieve a mental edge. I highly recommend this book!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment