Discipline. For many, the word brings up images of punishment, strict rules, and maybe even a coach’s whistleblowing loudly in the background. But discipline is not about punishment for those of us in football, especially special teams players. It’s about preparation, commitment, and showing up for yourself and your team, day in and day out.
Discipline vs. Punishment: Breaking the Misconception
Too often, discipline is misunderstood as negative. Let’s clear that up right now. Discipline is not about forcing yourself into misery but about empowering yourself to grow. As Jim Rohn said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” The repetitive actions, sometimes mundane, sometimes tough, make greatness possible.
Think about it: punishment is running extra laps because you skipped practice. Discipline is setting aside 15 minutes daily to work on your accuracy as a kicker or snap timing. One builds resentment; the other builds skill. The difference lies in perspective.
Here’s a quick analogy: Discipline is like sharpening a blade. It takes effort and consistency, but you’re ready to cut through any challenge when game day comes. Without it, your blade and skills will dull and falter under pressure.
The Role of Discipline in Special Teams Success
Special teams players have one of the most high-pressure jobs in football. A game can be won or lost by one field goal, a well-timed punt, or a flawless snap, as we saw in Ohio vs. Michigan in November of 2024; these moments don’t happen by accident. They’re built through disciplined preparation.
Take Justin Tucker (Ravens), for example. He’s one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, and his success isn’t just natural talent. It’s his disciplined approach to practice and his lifestyle. He doesn’t just kick the ball; he breaks every kick into segments: his approach, the contact, and the follow-through. Justin meticulously perfects each.
Now, imagine two college kickers. One practices sporadically, showing up only when it’s convenient. The other follows a disciplined schedule, rain or shine, consistently working on their craft. Who do you trust when the game is on the line? Discipline isn’t just a personal edge; it’s a team's lifeline.
Discipline Off the Field: Building the Mental Edge
Discipline isn’t confined to the field; it extends to every part of your life. From nutrition and sleep to mental preparation, what you do off the field directly impacts your performance.
Take visualization. Elite players like Adam Vinatieri use mental rehearsal to “see” their success before stepping onto the field. Visualizing the perfect kick or snap in five minutes a day can make a massive difference. Look at Dominic Zvada, a kicker for the University of Michigan, who uses video games to help him visualize himself in different stadium settings. He is brilliant.
Then there are the basics: nutrition and sleep. Maintaining a disciplined routine, such as prepping meals ahead of time or sticking to a consistent bedtime. These habits enhance focus and reaction time. These small choices compound into significant gains over time.
Finally, consider your mindset. A disciplined mindset means embracing routines like journaling after games or practicing gratitude. It’s about building mental toughness to stay calm and focused when pressure hits.
Where are you most disciplined?
0%Practicing my craft (kicking, punting, snapping).
0%My lifestyle off the field.
0%Game-Day Routine
0%I am working on it.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Discipline
Start Small: Choose one healthy habit to focus on this week. It could be as simple as stretching five minutes after practice or reviewing game footage daily.
Accountability Matters: Pair up with a teammate as accountability partners. Check each other’s progress and hold each other to a high standard.
Remember Your Why: Discipline is easier when connected to your goals. Write your goals down and place them where you’ll see them daily—in your locker, on your phone, or even taped to your water bottle.
Recommended Reading to help with discipline:
The Power of Habit by Daniel Walter
Discipline Equals Freedom, Jocko Willinick
Make Your Bed, William McRaven
Conclusion
Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s a commitment to yourself, your team, and your goals. It’s the foundation of success for special team players who often face immense pressure.
The question is: What’s one area where you can become more disciplined today?
Take a moment to reflect. Whether perfecting your technique, maintaining a healthy routine, or building your mental toughness, remember that discipline is your bridge to greatness. Let’s cross it together.
Take it from me: a mental performance coach whom has worked with athletes in many areas of sports at many different levels. I have raised football players who are now in high pressure jobs, Military & Police, building mental toughness and staying disciplined does not stop after football. I have watched through the years how athletes evolve into greatness or let it fall and disappear into basic life, not because they wanted to but because they did not have the discipline or structure to keep going when no one was watching. You must keep it to your why and love what you do to have the discipline to compete at an Elite Level.
By: Coach Suzi Freeman, Mental Performance Coach & Master NLP Practitioner
Coach Suzi focuses on Special Teams Players coachsuzi@suzifreeman.com www.suzifreeman.com
You can work with me privately or through my group coaching program: Specials Teams Mindset Academy
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