The coach addresses the mental game by helping the athlete:
To know first and foremose that fear of failure is very common in athletes, though very unpleasant.
To understand that fear of success is just a variation on the theme of fear of failure, and that, though they are situationally different, they are pscholocigally the same: a problem based on self-doubt and eventual failure.
To learn to be aware of irrational thoughts based on consequences of failure.
To define failure, the term, as a failure to reach a goal or accomplish a task, rather than attach to himself the personal label of being a failure.
To recognize what does and does not constitute failure in his performance, meaning that results do not indicate performance failure. Porr behavior and esxecution do.
To understnad that fear impedes judgemnt.
To thoughtfully scripe out a list of rational thoughts to replace the traditional.
To remember that habit is powerful, and it is therefore important to create the good habit of acting fearless, despite feelings of fear.
To learn to focus on execution, regardless of physical symptoms of fear, thereby detaching himself from emotions and attacking himself to palnned behavior.
To develop a "will to bear discomfort" during competition by focusing on the next tast, rather than on his feeling.
To coach himself through adversity with positive, functional directives and appropriate arousal adjustments -- up or down, based on a whether the system is signaling fight or flight.
To reward himself for good behavior, despite the existence of bad feelings
