Coaching The Mental Game

We work to develop the 3 areas of skills daily with our team--
1.  Physical--strength and conditioning
2.  Skill Sets--specific to their position
3.  Mental Skills--dealing with adversity and anxiety which is mental toughness

In studying how a lot of our players are "wired" mentally, it was brought to our attention that many play the game on their heels.  Playing not to mess up.  Often, the players that we (as coaches) want to "carry/ lead" the team, simply aren't wired to do so.  This is something we have to work with.

One process we work with the players that "play the game backwards"; meaning that they are thinking in the past.  It's a 3 step process:
1.  Identify--the mistake or problem we want to correct
2.  Resolve--must help the player come to a resolution or they are still playing the game backwards.
3.  Put Them In The Right Frame of Mind--different manners depending on the situation--film after practice, talking to on sideline in practice, sitting next to a coach during a game.

This it tough to do.  We typically coach/ teach to our own personalities.  But much can be gained when you understand how your team is "wired".