Mental Training isn’t new to the world of elite performance. The Chicago Cubs hired Dr. Coleman Griffith in the 1950s. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point established a long-standing mental training program in the 1980s. The U.S. Olympic and Paraolympic Committee (USOPC) maintains a staff of sport psychology trained professionals to help U.S. athletes excel on the world’s biggest stages. However, there is a new frontier that is transforming the game of athlete performance. Before we dive in let me give you a little background.
6 Meaningful Questions to Help Athletes End the Year on a High Note
Athletes are used to the rhythms of their athletic seasons. They work hard in the off-season. They amp it up with their teammates in pre-season. They battle and compete throughout the season (and into the post-season). Then, they take a little time to rest, recover and rejuvenate before doing it all again. But many athletes don’t take the time to notice the strides they’ve made. They don’t reflect on the year. They just keep pressing on.
Why Should Every Athlete Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing?
3 Prerequisites to Maximize Mental Training
Did you know mental training has prerequisites? Just like registering for Trigonometry or French 303, mental training has prerequisites that need to be met. Prerequisites set us up for success, ensuring we’re ready for what comes next. Athletes need to be ready to strengthen their mental game; otherwise they’re just wasting their time.
Does Mental Training Really Improve Performance?
Mental toughness and resilience are taking a front seat at nearly every level of sport. Commentators mention it much more than just a few years ago. I’m here to answer the BIG questions when it comes to mental toughness and resilience and what impact mental training truly has on athletes’ performance.
How This 1-Minute Drill Can Transform Your Locker Room
Negativity fills the gaps when there is a lack of communication. To cultivate a championship culture, built on trust and accountability, coaches need to connect with players one-on-one. Great teams begin with clear communication.
The Secret is Out: How to Cultivate Team Chemistry
Do Your Athletes Know How to Wind Down to Increase Recovery?
Top athletes meticulously shape their pre-game routines. They want to be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally to perform their best when the competition kicks off. Unfortunately, few are as intentional about what they do after the game. How well athletes wind down will ultimately impact the quality of their training or performance tomorrow.
How to Establish a Positive Team Environment
For better or worse, the environment surrounding your team impacts performance on game day. A talented team in a poor environment will not fulfill its potential. In contrast, a decent team in a positive environment can exceed expectations. Let’s look at how to build a more positive environment around your team.
Are Your Athletes Missing Out on Mental Training?
Coaches like you are constantly looking for a new competitive advantage. You are always on the lookout for new advances in equipment, physical training, or software to give your players better insights. One place that can be easily overlooked is the six inches between an athlete’s ears: their brain. Find out why mental training is going mainstream.