For some football players it begins with the coin-toss on the field, yet for others it starts as soon as they open their eyes and roll out of bed on game-day morning. Either way they know the importance of mentally preparing for competition.

Football goes beyond just physical training. Without mental preparation or the right state of mind all the practice drills won't help you on the field. Football becomes a combination of both the physical and mental dynamics. But at times football players forget the importance of mental toughness and how this helps quarterbacks, wide receivers, kickers and other pivotal members of a football team overcome roadblocks to peak performances.

"The cerebral part of the game is the most challenging part of the game..." Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning -- Academy of Achievement Interview June 22, 2007

Mental preparation entails goals, concentration, self-assurance, mental toughness, visualization, and motivation to compete. It involves confidence and an unrelenting positive attitude ingrained in a player. Mental preparation becomes part of everyday practices leading up to the football game. It affects the technical, tactical and physiological components of a player's performance. Failure to establish the right frame of mind creates mental mistakes such as dropping a catchable pass, overthrowing the ball, missing a tackle, or kicking the ball just wide of the gold posts.

Often times concentrating on smaller goals, such as getting another five yards, running the offensive pattern better, completing the first down, or blocking the player in front of you helps a player hone in on his center of attention. Find something within the game to focus on and this will help keep your head in the game and zone out personal and external distractions.

Constantly focusing on the task at hand without distractions becomes a discipline. Concentrating on the football and the schematics of the play allows players to maintain an awareness of their objective and the steps needed to achieve it.

Self-confidence plays a big part in the mental aspect of the game. Feeling like you're capable of outperforming your opponent becomes critical for increasing a player's self-esteem and confidence. Remembering great accomplishments and knowing that you can successfully complete plays adds to a player's self-assurance before game time.

Mental toughness also allows football players to overcome interceptions, fumbles and missed field goals. Anxiety and insecurity often plague players that make mental errors. Players must change the negative internal dialogue into positive images and compliments. Constantly thinking positive thoughts and eliminating the negative helps a player move on. Be aware of the mistake, but find ways to improve the performance without dwelling on the negative. If a kicker missed a 25-yard field goal, he should find out what went wrong, make an adjustment, and focus on successfully completing the next one. While he waits he must focus on all the successes he's had beyond the 25-yard line. He should think about the 40-yarder he kicked the week before. Remember the positive and do not doubt yourself.

Picturing yourself successfully kicking the field goal, completing a touchdown pass, or catching a football in the end zone helps a player relax and be better prepared for the task at hand and the necessary skills he'll need for a peak performance. This visualization technique allows a player to feel confident, relaxed and in control.

In addition motivation presents a strong factor in achieving success on the football field. It creates a drive and energy that pushes players to perform their best. Being able to surpass your yard average, winning the game, or completing more passes this time around are all mini motivational guidelines that help football players achieve a great performance.

Article by Anel Laj