Mental training as a part of physical training of Slovak Ice Hockey Representation U18

We are very happy that HDC Slovakia together with National Sport Centre has been preparing to resume cooperation with Slovak Ice Hockey Representation U18. This cooperation covers more than only the area of training process or tactical practice, it also covers supportive areas, e.g. health state monitoring, diagnostics of players and condition-coordination abilities as well as testing on ice and adjusting the proper way of catering and drink consumption. What we would like to emphasize is that the last year’s pilot project was implemented in cooperation with DAP Services Mental analysis and also mental training of players. It was focused on personal and social prerequisites of players with regard to team cooperation and increasing the performance of players.
The players who took part in online diagnostics by virtue of Colour associations (CA method) diagnostic method by SportMind. On the basis of the results of the diagnostics it was possible to determine players’ prerequisites as e.g. their temperament, behaviour in stressful situations, their motivation, degree of persistence, will to fight, place and role in the team they execute or whether the coach can rely on them to make things right in the dressing room. It also determines if they are a leader type or if they are going to be able to master penalty shots without being nervous. It also focuses on the degree to which the player is sensitive and detail-oriented, it explores their strengths and space for improvement. Afterwards, the whole team is evaluated. The aim is to identify the team’s strengths like persistence, determination to win and the degree of their effort to succeed and purposefulness.
Afterwards an analysis of possible threats to the team is performed. These are especially situations which might jeopardize harmony in the team. The task was to prepare a plan about how to prevent these situations and how to cope with them. In this part of training, cooperation with the coaches is a crucial thing. We discussed the results with them and coaches supplied their true experience. What proved useful, was identifying coaches’ expectations by the players and determining a comprehensible target. Players had a clear idea about the target and the individual steps to reach it, which was supported by specific examples of their performance as individuals and the team. The crucial thing was to clarify the effort and the consequent agreement between coaches and players as well as their purposefulness.
During the championship regular communication with players and coaches took place. The aim was to strengthen their motivation and to help them cope with stress and stressful situations.
And here is what some players said after matches:
…’cause we are a perfect team and we know that we can do it…
…We need to be concentrated, have will to fight and work as a team.
…Thank you for all the advice you gave me. It was useful…
…Thank you for your e-mail. It helped me and I hope it will help some more…
…Yes, I’m trying it. Sometimes I simply visualize the match, it’s good, it helps. I was so nervous in the first World championship match but the 3rd period was ok. I was sort of pegged down and wasn’t playing the way I usually am. After the second period I told myself that I would forget about periods and I must to concentrate on the last one. I told myself the team needed me because there were more players who weren’t playing as well as they had anticipated. In the end I succeeded and I am happy about that. Thank you for your support and your advice.