I think it's a little bit of both. If you read some of the stuff Michael Jordan has to say, and also what Phil Jackson says, you'll get a interesting perspective on it.
One of the things I remember Jordan does is rehearse things in his mind...that way, he says, they are not new when he is actually thrust into the situation, and therefore no cause for panic. Certainly, visualization has been used by many athletes to some degree of success.
But ultimately, it may be the discerning factor at the elite level, since these guys are all blessed with an incredible amount of physical talent. In my own experience, I often found that the 'weekend warrior' who was physically fit and gave 100% all the time would usually beat out a more physically gifted player who didn't give it his all. Now you can argue whether it is the mind of the body doing this for the less gifted amateur. I would say a bit of both.
Anyway, interesting subject Brad!
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