Inner Game of Volleyball

Serious mental training is the next wave coming to the volleyball world. Volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, you name it, elite athletes will do anything to improve their performance, from eating exotic foods to taking experimental supplements. But what if I told you that the secret to optimizing sports performance isn’t found in a pill or a potion, but in your own mind?

The latest research suggests that mental training is the key to achieving peak performance in sports. Not only that, these same practices have been shown to improve mental health. And it’s not just some new age mumbo-jumbo. This stuff is backed by science.

So What is Mental Training?

Mental training involves exercises that enhance an athlete’s ability to focus, stay motivated, and perform under pressure. And studies have shown that it can lead to significant improvements in sports performance across a range of different sports. Volleyball mental training is currently used by the US National Team for the men, women and many top college programs.

One study was conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago in 2014 and involved a group of basketball players who were divided into two groups. The first group received traditional physical training, while the second group received both physical training and mental training. The mental training involved visualization exercises, in which the players were asked to visualize themselves making successful shots and executing their moves with precision and accuracy.

The results of the study were striking. The group that received both physical and mental training showed significant improvements in their shooting accuracy, scoring 23% more shots than the group that received only physical training. Moreover, the mental training group reported feeling more confident and focused during the game.

Using visualization and mental rehearsal to practice movements and techniques, athletes can strengthen the neural networks in their brain and thereby improve their reaction times and enhance their overall performance. And visualization is just one of many practices that positively impact performance such as: gratitude, affirmations, mindfulness, and breathwork.

But the benefits of mental training don’t end there. Studies have found that it can also have a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving self-esteem and self-confidence. Who wouldn’t want that?

Mental Training Positively Impacts Mental Health

In the world of volleyball, mental training is highly important because it also positively impacts mental health. A study was conducted by researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland in 2018 that involved a group of recreational athletes who participated in an eight-week mental training program designed to enhance their focus, motivation, and emotional regulation skills.

The mental training program involved a combination of mindfulness meditation, visualization exercises, and goal-setting strategies. Before and after the program, the athletes completed a battery of psychological assessments to measure their levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as their overall well-being and resilience.

The results of the study were clear: after completing the mental training program, the athletes showed significant improvements in their mental health and well-being. Specifically, they reported lower levels of anxiety and depression, and greater levels of resilience and self-confidence. They also reported feeling more motivated and focused in their sports activities.

What’s particularly interesting about this study is that the improvements in mental health were not limited to the athletes’ sports activities. Rather, they carried over into other areas of their lives as well. Participants reported feeling more confident and less stressed in their work and personal lives, suggesting that mental training has broader applications beyond sports.

So why is mental training so effective? Well, for one, it helps athletes develop greater resilience and emotional regulation skills. That means they’re better equipped to bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on their goals, even when facing challenges. And let’s face it, in sports, setbacks are par for the course.

Another benefit of mental training is that it can be done anywhere, at any time. Unlike physical training, which requires access to equipment and facilities, mental training can be done in the comfort of your own home. That makes it a convenient and accessible way to improve sports performance and mental health.

Let’s Go!

So, there you have it. Mental training is the real deal. This field that was once considered fringe is now becoming an essential tool to optimize performance. It’s backed by science, and it can help you perform at your best while also promoting mental well-being. If you’re serious about taking your sports performance to the next level, it’s time to start training your brain.

And this is exactly why we’ve created the Inner Game of Volleyball. In 3 weeks we build 4 habits based on cutting edge science that have been shown to improve mental health and performance. Along the way we will hear stories from professional athletes and how mental training has impacted them. So what are you waiting for?!