Taken from the blog of Marty Walker, Sports Psychologist at Train your Mind after the New England Patriots won the 2016 Super Bowl.
I have to admit, I am not the biggest American Football fan in the world. I only support the Green Bay Packers because their uniform reminds me of the Irish Flag. I did however sit back and appreciate what unfolded in Super Bowl LI from a purely psychological point of view.
As social media erupted with the seemingly obvious Atlanta Falcons victory; and as Patriots haters chastised Tom Brady for not winning a 5th (Fifth) Super Bowl. I watched intently as to how the Patriots were reacting to their situation. Bleak as it was.
I looked for signs of panic, desperation and even surrender. I saw none. I said to my America nephew who desperately wanted a Falcons victory, “I’m not so sure the Falcons have this won just yet”.
And then boom – all the madness in the game just erupted. The craziest catch in the Super Bowl final from someone who had been struggling to catch all game, two 2 point conversions, overtime then the ultimate comeback win.
Elation for one team who knew they could do it. Devastation for another team who didn’t think they could throw it away. And there you have it. The proof is in the knowing.
So what sport related psychological traits were present in the game?
Patience – As the whole world imploded the most patient looking player on the field was Tom Brady. He’d have been forgiven for accepting that it may not be his day, but the best athletes just don’t do that.
Relentlessness – The ability to push and push for every millimeter available. To get back up from the knock downs, the interceptions, the dropped passes, the missed field goal attempt the turn overs. To pursue your collective goal regardless.
Focus/Attention – All the details. From running tough plays effectively to making that perfect catch at the perfect time to boost your chances.
Passion – An immense desire to overturn a deficit for each other and their fas.
Planning – The ability to carry out specific instructions regardless of the situation.
Motivation – extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to achieve glory and show that individually and collectively the Patriots are never down and out.
Confidence – When others would lose the will to play on, when they have been hit too hard to continue, when the sporting world looks on and beggars belief, the best athletes, teams and coaches are confident they can achieve.
And so much more …….
The Patriots epitomized what it is to be a mental tough team. Coaches and players together working with one goal in mind and one objective. Success.
This is not about one player, nor a coach, this is a bout a culture of success. And when a team builds this, they are hard to stop.
It was fun to watch.