How to Know if a Physical Error is Mental or Mental Error is Physical
Just because an athlete makes a physical error repeatedly, doesn’t mean that they are having a physical problem. Likewise, just because an athlete makes a mental error, doesn’t mean their issue is with the mental side of sports.
The reality is that mental errors are often the result of physical limitations and physical errors are often the result of mental limitations. What’s more, misdiagnosing the root cause of an athletes struggles just makes things worse.
Not to state the obvious, but to make the correct assessment a real assessment is required. Not just a “eyeball” test. Just giving an athlete’s struggles the old “eyeball” test is not enough. For example, just because you see an athlete choke in the final minutes of a game multiple times doesn’t mean they can’t deal with pressure. There may be a real technical or tactical coaching issue causing the problem. However, the old “eyeball” test defaults to labeling the athlete a choke artist. This is a lazy way to assess the situation.
Instead, it’s best to use the four-part assessment renowned sports psychologist Robert M. Nideffer, PhD uses with his athletes.
The Four-Part Assessment to Know if a Physical Error is Mental or Mental Error is Physical
First, assess the athlete’s skill level when they are at their best. If the athlete has all the technical and tactical skills they need on their best days but fail to use these tools on their worst days, then this suggests a mental issue. On the other hand, if the athlete is lacking skills even on their best days then it’s a physical issue.
Next assess the athlete’s pattern of making errors. If the athlete makes errors randomly in both pressure and non-pressure situations, then it’s a physical issue. If the mistakes have a predictable pattern that only occur when the pattern is present, then this points towards a mental issue.
Then assess the athlete’s emotional state when they are making errors. If the athlete appears confident and in control as well as responds affirmatively when asked, then this points towards a physical issue. On the other hand, if it’s obvious the athlete tends to panic, rush, or feel hopeless when they make errors then this is likely a mental issue.
Finally, assess the type of errors the athlete is making. If the athlete is only making one type of mistake, then it’s likely a physical issue. But if the athlete is making multiple mistakes then this suggests a mental issue.