A vital factor to consider is the mental training that parallels your physical training. You must create planned mental skill workouts to develop a level where you are able to maximise training sessions and achieve peak performances consistently in competition.

You will never get to the top without developing your mental toughness

Excellence in rugby performance is a combination of your skill and total rugby fitness - physical and mental - accompanied by optimal recovery strategies, fluid and nutrition.

If all else is equal, why do your performances fluctuate?

Because you need to manage your physical abilities and potential with appropriate psychological skills. Achieving consistency and performing to your limit is heavily reliant on your mental state, which, like physical skills, can be developed through training.

Reaching the ideal performance state - physically and mentally is your ultimate goal

In this section we review the four key mental skills that contribute to mental toughness with examples of training drills to provide you with an insight to psychological skills training.. If you wish to develop your skills further, consider using an accredited Sport Psychologist.

Four components of mental toughness:

• Commitment
• Confidence
• Control
• Concentration

Other areas that facilitate these skills are also considered including self-talk and imagery.

In addition to developing physical, technical and tactical skills, coaches also need to ensure that players are mentally tough