Seven tools to make Ice-Cool players
It is all very well your players’ bodies being ready for the game, but what about their minds? Simple mental
preparation can establish focus and concentration, which can improve their performance significantly. Being
correctly prepared mentally means players:
• Are not thinking about previous poor performances, and instead remember just the positive aspects of their
game.
• Are less likely to be distracted, because they are busy with a pre-match routine.
• Know what to think feel and do, keeping their attention to the task in hand.
• Only think about performing (kicking, passing or running well), without worrying about the outcome. This means
they “stay in the now” rather than think about the future or the consequences. (Process rather than Product)
HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED?
1. Ensure players are only trying to “control the controllables”. In a game and in training, there are only certain
aspects the player can influence. This can be a shot for a score or a simple pass. Poor mental focus means that
even the controllable actions can go wrong.
2. Get players to use positive “self talk” or “trigger words” either out loud or in their heads that encourage, for
instance, “head down on shot”, “near hand in”,
3. Get them to visualise themselves performing well in all aspects of the game and training.
4. Promote personal objectives or goals. Encourage players to have a clear understanding of what they are trying
to achieve and what needs to be done to reach that goal.
5. Employ tried and tested physical routines, such as warming up, in a manner that allows them to take the field
knowing they are as ready as they can be.
6. Think about what “gets them going”. It may be quiet time in the changing room or banging their head off the
wall for others!
7. You should monitor and learn from what they do well and what they do poorly. The key to this is to be honest,
but be extremely positive as well.
All players need to talk to people they have respect for and ask for feedback on their performance. This person
could be you, but also the captain or a senior player.
POSSIBLE PREPARATION FOR MATCH DAY
Think about the game throughout the week before. Go over the technical skills, set plays, the collective and
individual objectives – in other words, how you are going to play the game.
Visualisation is key. Try to see the pitch that you are going to play on. Focus on all the things that you are going
to do well, like giving good passes, making good tackles and scoring.
You should enjoy being part of the team and playing competitive Gaelic football. So when you think about the
game, let these feelings come through as a “knowing” smile on your face.
It is natural to feel nervous before a game but don’t let this emotion worry you as it could lead to negative
thoughts. Being nervous is actually a good thing as it shows you are thinking about what lies ahead – You should
learn to enjoy this feeling as it will be there in the lead up to all the matches that you will ever play.