Mental toughness is a multifaceted concept comprised of distinct characteristics like fight, inner drive, critical moment control, resilience, emotional control, capacity for change, teamwork, honesty, and the ability to strengthen more of these traits. It allows athletes to thrive in different sporting conditions and can be correctly applied to those strong in most aspects of mental toughness.

1. What is
Mental Toughness?
#MentalToughness

2. Mental toughness is a term frequently used within sporting
contexts, often being hailed as the principle reason
for victory, or the sole explanation for loss

3. www.nathanwood.consulting
Multifaceted
Athletes can often be
categorised as either being
mentally strong or mentally
weak, but mental toughness
is made up of a number of
distinct characteristics

4. Athletes who have fight are confrontational,
aggressive, and like to get into a battle
with the opposition

5. Those with inner drive are highly motivated, have
a strong work ethic, and are capable of working
independently of coach, parental or external input

6. Possessing a high level of critical moment control allows
an athlete to remain clear-minded when the pressure is on,
therefore leading to good decision-making when under stress

7. Resilient players are able to bounce back after setbacks, don’t
let disappointments affect them, and are capable of
refocusing after making a mistake

8. Players with good emotional control can regulate their
emotions so they are in the optimum mindset for performance

9. Athletes with the capacity for change are open-
minded, learn quickly and are able to change
their techniques and behaviours

10. Team players are considerate of others, provide
energy to the team, work hard in training, and
show leadership skills when appropriate

11. Honest athletes genuinely reflect on their performance,
are able to take critical feedback, and can identity
areas of their game which need to improve

12. The majority of athletes are strong in
some aspects of mental toughness,
and less developed in other areas

13. Multi-Skilled
Strengthening more of
these traits will enable an athlete
to thrive in a wider spectrum of
sporting conditions
www.nathanwood.consulting
Mentally Tough
Then, perhaps, the term
“he/she is mentally tough”
can be applied correctly and
appropriately to that athlete

14. Nathan Wood
Nathan Wood is a former professional sportsman and youth
international, mentor/assessor to Level 3 sports coaches,
and a certified Level 4 master coach.
Now operating a sports performance consultancy, he works with a
diverse range of athletes, coaches, parents, and organisations,
helping them to realise their true sporting potential.
Let’s connect
linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching
twitter.com/NathanTheoWood
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