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.
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.
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.
Managing the roller coaster of highs and lows can leave some teams prideful or depleted. Yet the best teams in sports find a way to maintain a healthy respect for their competition and a insatiable drive to get better. In short they choose to remain humble and hungry.
Coaches at every level battle inconsistency in their lineup. Those who instill a next level up mentality in their teams have the advantage. They prepare players to step up when their number is called. How can you foster this mentality in your team?
How does your team respond when they fall behind on the scoreboard? They may scratch and claw their way back until the very end. However, this isn’t always the case. Some teams crumble slowly while others implode from fear and panic. Find out how to help your team develop a fighting spirit.
Today’s top coaches know how to get the best out of their athletes. They do this, in part, by creating an environment of trust and safety where athletes feel comfortable being themselves, taking necessary risks, and speaking up. Researchers call this psychological safety and it impacts athletic performance.
Creating a safe environment for your athletes is about more than good equipment and safe field conditions. Coaches like Brad Stevens, Dabo Swinney, Doug Peterson, and Gregg Popovich – seen as positive coaches – ensure their teams feel safe enough to take risks and go all out. Ultimately, this emphasis on relationships is a significant component that leads to success.
Top performers take initiative. They take ownership for improving themselves and their teams. Are your athletes seeking ways to give their team an edge? Are they doing the little things to unify the team? Let’s look at three ways athletes can take initiative and gain a competitive advantage. These are the players who become your team leaders.
Augie Garrido, five-time national championship baseball coach, put a premium on practice. According to Garrido, “Games and championships are won in practice first.” Many coaches may agree with this statement, but not all teams and athletes approach practice the same way. Let’s look at how to help your athletes train like the pros.
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