Developing Mental Toughness in the Off-Season
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
The off-season builds the mindset that the season reveals.
⚾ For Athletes: Sharpening Your Edge When Nobody’s Watching
3 Ways to Build Mental Toughness This Off-Season
Train when it’s inconvenient. Early mornings, cold weather, or tired days build grit.
Add challenges, not shortcuts. Choose drills or workouts that stretch your comfort zone.
Win the day. Stack small victories—hydration, recovery, mindset work—as daily wins.
2 Quotes to Remember
Muhammad Ali: “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion.’”
“Discipline is choosing what you want most over what you want now.”
1 Question to Reflect On
When the season starts, what part of your training do you want to look back on and say, “I didn’t skip that”?
👨👩👧 For Parents: Supporting Growth in the Quiet Months
3 Ways to Guide Your Athlete in the Off-Season
Encourage rest with purpose. Balance hard work with recovery and family time.
Ask about effort, not results. “How hard did you push yourself today?” sparks reflection.
Model discipline. Let them see you sticking to your commitments, too.
2 Quotes to Anchor You
“The off-season is where champions are made and excuses are born.”
Carol Dweck: “Becoming is better than being.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Am I helping my athlete value steady progress, or am I adding pressure to perform year-round?
🧢 For Coaches: Laying the Foundation for Next Season
3 Ways to Instill Mental Toughness in the Off-Season
Teach self-leadership. Give athletes ownership of their routines and goals.
Focus on controllables. Reinforce mindset, effort, and preparation as daily standards.
Challenge without burning out. Create off-season expectations that stretch, not break.
2 Quotes to Coach With
Bill Walsh: “Champions behave like champions before they are champions.”
“Off-season habits are the mirror of in-season results.”
1 Question to Reflect On
How am I helping my athletes build habits that will hold under pressure when the season starts?
The off-season is a test of consistency and character. Those who embrace it step into the season mentally unshakeable.
With you in the process,
David Lovell
Founder of the F.O.C.U.S. System | Mental Performance Coach
P.S. Want weekly mental toughness tips in your feed? Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/dlovell88/