The Road to State

Almost all athletes I know want to make it to state for whatever sport they're in. If they don’t, their teammates or they must have given up. This is something many athletes look forward to and try to achieve. Going to state is a common goal of many sports teams and can be very challenging. The focus of practice sometimes might have to do with this goal of going to state. Other sports teams shoot higher, and aim to become the state champions. Whether your goal is to simply make it to state or win it there are two very important skills to have. You must be physically and mentally ready.

Obviously if your team wants to make it to state you need to be physically capable of beating the other teams. This comes with time and if your teammates push every day you will begin to see improvements. A team must work together and push each other every day and never give up or take it easy. Physical capability is possible for everyone to achieve. Anyone can show up each day and put their body to the test, but can they back that up with confidence?  It's mental toughness that truly makes or breaks a team.

Mental toughness can be perceived in many different ways. A team must have players who are ready to overcome that mental bump in the road. To be able to achieve your goals every single person on your team must truly believe in every single player. Before you actually succeed at something you must imagine yourself doing well first. Mental strength, in my opinion, is much harder to obtain than physical strength. Anyone can show up to the gym and slowly improve. It takes a truly dedicated and honest person to be able to be mentally tough.

Believing in yourself is the first step towards achieving your goal and putting that belief into others will benefit your team tremendously. Yes, being able to terminate each play and be smart with your actions is important, but the confidence behind it needs to be there as well. Without the belief that you can do something how can you truly live up to your potential? Being confident can enhance your performance tremendously and push you further than your goals. Mental toughness will benefit you and your team. Behind every great athlete is someone who puts their faith into their teammates.