Quote:Written Option 2: Only the strong will survive! Or do they? How important part does physical or mental strength training play in your players offseason and how they do it? Are they focusing mostly on lower body strength or do they take more balanced approach? Or is it all about the core strength that helps them stay in right position at the goal? Maybe they think that surviving is really more dependent on mental strength and finding it inside themselves, but is there even a way to train that?

Both physical and mental strength are incredibly important for SHL players. It’s not enough to be good enough in one or the other; such players will be on the periphery of the league and can never become true stars.

Jae-ik chooses to spend equal time training both in the offseason.

For physical training, he continues his normal workout routine in the gym. He also makes sure his diet is as disciplined as ever, even with the temptation of off-season recreation and the meals that inevitably follow. This offseason, he’s focusing on his endurance, since he felt like that was a bit of an issue in S79, especially toward the end of the season.

Mentally, it’s all about the ability to focus on the task at hand. Meditation is a big help, and so is clearing your mind while still being active, so there are physical exercises that incorporate a mental aspect where Jae-ik practices tuning out the distractions around him to focus on what’s in front of him. Think playing jenga while on a rocking boat at sea, all the while two different people are having conversations in your ear.