This area of training for high performance athletes is critical. As the difference in physical abilities of top athletes becomes less and less, the mental abilities of the player often becomes the deciding factor in his or her success. As the number of games played continues to increase, the more important it becomes for a player to learn how to be mentally prepared for each game so he or she consistently performs at their highest level.

Also, as players train harder and longer and the skill level continues to increase, the ability of a player in practice and in training to be able to set goals, to achieve goals, to be mentally tough, to be confident, to have a positive self image, to love the game and to learn to minimize the pressure when playing, will all be critical attributes that a player must acquire in order to put in the hours of effort required to be a top athlete.