ABSTRACT
Mental skills give a practitioners an edge in competition. When two teams or two athletes equal in skill and ability compete, the mentally tough one wins virtually every time. When an underdog overcomes a more talented opponent, it likely can be attributed to focus, intensity, and tenacity; that is, mental skills. Control is the essence of mental skills. In a competitive situation, there are many things people cannot control. People cannot control the referees or umpires, whether they are competing at home or away, the weather, the fans, the competition, and their coach. Mentally tough athletes control the controllables – the things a practitioners can control or influence. Mental skills, just like other performance skills, require practice. Cognitive skills help to ensure a practitioners' thoughts and perceptions have a positive impact on their performance; these skills are essential in developing resilience.
