Home About USADA Links & Resources Contact Us Feedback Your Mental game is just as important as your Physical game, and sometimes referred to as the game behind the game. Here are just a few examples of the mental game: Focus – Sports require your concentration throughout the game. Attitude – Your attitude can determine how much fun you are going to have during the game. It can also help you bounce back from mistakes and give you a better chance of winning. Decision–Making – Some games are decided by who makes the fewest mistakes. If you can make the best decisions under pressure, you will give yourself a greater chance to be successful. Preparation – Having a plan and executing it is very important. The physical part of the game has many components, including: Skill – Sports require a specific set of skills that are only developed through quality practice. Agility – Most sports require the ability to execute precise and complicated movements. Endurance – Athletes who have the ability to perform for a long time without tiring have an advantage over other athletes. Speed – Depending on the sport, being fast can give an athlete an edge. Quickness – Quickness is the ability to make sudden bursts over short distances. In most sports, quickness is more important than speed. Strength – In sport, strength often means the ability to apply force to an object, moving it from one place to another. Power – Power is the combination of strength and speed. In most sports, power is much more important than just strength. Flexibility – Flexibility is the ability to use joints through their potential Now, let’s take a look at how the body increases size and strength. The three keys to increasing strength are: Training – A challenging exercise program combined with a balanced weightlifting program is the key to adding muscle. It is important to note that the general guideline for the appropriate time to begin weightlifting is high school. Nutrition – If you eat a well-balanced diet, your body will have 100% of the building-blocks necessary to build muscle. Sleep/Recovery – Your body produces the most growth hormone when you are sleeping. Getting at least eight hours of sleep is one of the most important things you can do to help your body grow. If you train the right way, eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of rest, your body will be ready to grow strong and healthy. Sometimes, though, athletes may not want to put in the hard work necessary to be successful. Looking for a shortcut, athletes may turn to performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids, to gain an "extra edge." For more information on steroids, check out "The Truth" section. Copyright / Disclaimer Privacy Policy