Mental Preparation

By Brendan Peel Firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every day firefighters risk their lives and are consistently tested on physical and mental levels. Over the years working at SHAPE and through my pursuit of employment with a fire department, I have seen how hard these men and women train physically, but have noticed a lack of time being dedicated toward mental preparation and focus disciplines. Working with the Shape training model has allowed me to push my clients and myself to the limit many times and it is here where I believe the key lies in building mental toughness. Mental training must not be seen as an adjunct to training. Rather, it should be integrated as an essential component of daily training to achieve peak athletic and professional performance. There are many studies examining different aspects of mental training: from the individual athlete, to integration of different training methods in a full team setting. Mental training encompasses many aspects: imagery, focus and concentration on the integration of the mind and body. With the right combination of training methods, these aspects can take a normal athlete and turn him/her into an elite athlete. Previous research on the aspects of mental training sheds light into the complexity of different types of training, and how with the right coaching it can have a positive outcome. Savoy et al. (1997) reported that the inverted-U hypothesis suggests that performance is best at an optimal level of arousal, and that performance progressively declines as arousal increases or decreases from each individual's optimal level. The psychological ability of an individual to control arousal is a key factor which separates good and poor performances. At SHAPE, a trainer can become a key ingredient when challenging and building mental toughness in an individual. Introducing new challenges which force the mind to overcome barriers, such as pushing out a last repetition in what may seem like an impossible set, or developing workouts which can test both the body and mind makes the trainer an integral part towards reaching peak performance. Incorporating methods such as imagery and relaxation are also important parts of mental preparation which can increase performance and should be used by a coach or trainer with his client/athlete on a daily basis. Individuals who can visualize winning a match before the game and interacting on the playing field will have an easier time when the game clock starts. This same technique is used by many trainers at SHAPE to refocus individuals and prepare the body for the tasks ahead. Breathing techniques are also used on a daily basis to aid in relaxing their clients/athletes by painting them a picture of the tasks being completed in a successful way. Nideffer, author of “The Athlete’s Guide to Mental Training” sums up the crucial point of visualizing: “The athlete who can use visual, auditory and kinesthetic cues to speed learning and facilitate timing and coordination is at a decided advantage. Athletes who incorporate visual skills in their performance use them most often as the pressure increases.” A coach who can utilize these aspects of mental training can have their athletes relaxed and able to take on any curve the game throws them. Motivation is as also a part of mental team preparation in which a trainer can have a direct influence. Simon (1995) states that coaches generally try to accomplish two things with their athletes: get them to exert maximum effort, and get them to play up to their potential. Both of these objectives require motivation. The trainer has to build a desire to achieve through praise and encouragement - positive reinforcement. Pushing your body to the limit is a challenging task which takes a tremendous effort and having a trainer will not only improve your workouts but allow you to achieve this level on a more consistent basis. By using imagery/relaxation techniques and having the right form of motivation, everyone can respond well to mental training. For firefighters as well as SHAPE clients, these techniques must not be seen as additions to regular training but as an integral part of their daily regimes. References: Fisher, Craig A. Psychology of Sport, Mayfield Publishing Company, Palo Alto, California. 1976-1st Edition. Gill, D. (1986). Psychological dynamics of sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Nideffer, Robert M. Athletes’ Guide to Mental training, Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. Champaign, Illinois. July 17, 1985. Savoy, C,. Bettel, Patricia. Journal of Sport Behavior. The relative effec tof a group and group/individualized program on state anxiety and state self-confidence. August, 1997. v20. n3. p364 (13) Simon, M. Scholastic Coach. The unspoken language of motivation. Jan, 1995. v64. n6. p68(2) Wrisberg, C. & Ragsdale, M. (1979). Cognitive demand and practice level: Factors in the mental rehearsal of motor skills. Journal of Human Movement Studies, 5, 201 220.

 

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