EXTREME EXERCISE FOR MENTAL TOUGHNESS
AND SELECTION: EFFECTIVE TRAINING OR
ERRANT BULLYING? (PART II)
4.
Concentration (Internal and External): During the first
power block in Figure 5, the tactical athlete will be doing
15-yard acceleration, 5-yard deceleration, and then reacting
left or right for two yards based on a verbal command.
During this exercise, the tactical facilitator will give the
tactical athlete the technical cues on the first four power
steps of acceleration and proper deceleration with a parallel
stance to enhance the elastic energy for the change of
direction based off the verbal command.
From a concentration MT skill standpoint, the tactical
facilitator is asking the tactical athlete to concentrate
internally on techniques during acceleration and
deceleration while changing the location of focus (locus
of focus) to what is going on outside of the athlete with
the verbal cue to go left or right. The ability of the tactical
athlete to monitor what is going on internally and externally
may be very beneficial for the success of a tactical athlete.
Typically, it is the best practice of a tactical athlete to
concentrate externally; however, recognizing what is going
on internally for the tactical athlete (i.e., fatigue levels,
arousal levels, etc.) is also important.
5.
Performance Imagery Internal: During the first strength
block, the tactical facilitator will utilize the rest periods to
have the tactical athlete engage in performance-enhancing
imagery of the barbell deadlift. Performance imagery is
sometimes called “visualization;” however, in line with
prior suggestions, it is recommended to avoid this term
as it suggests a focus on only what the tactical athlete
sees (2,3). The use of proper performance imagery should
include what the tactical athlete will see, hear, feel, smell,
and taste. Using all senses will optimize this skill to real
world situations. Additionally, it can be assumed that
everyone will have slightly different (and more relevant)
physical reactions in the body when t