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Archive for the ‘Articles for Coaches’ Category

Using Positive Self-Talk to Improve Performance

The human brain is the most complex organ in our bodies and arguably in all of creation. Learning to unlock its powers is the key to unlocking consistent high-level performance. When it comes to its relationship with athletic ability we must analyze its effect on human behavior. Research suggests that our behavior is formed from a complex interaction of three parts: our actions (what we do), our cognition (what we think), and our emotions (how we feel). Our actions are probably the most well understood part of this equation. It consists of the things we do that can be […]

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Sports Psychology: How Athletes Behave and What Can You Learn From Them

Sports Psychology: How Athletes Behave and What Can You Learn From Them

In general, we see many high-performance athletes do things right. Let’s see why. For example, Michael Phelps, the most successful swimmer of all time. Usain Bolt, equally important and winner of medals in 100 or 200 meters. These athletes always seem to get their way, both physiologically and psychologically. Other cases such as NFL players who have other pressure, but also overcome. It should be noted that these athletes take different attitudes, perhaps in contrast to each other, before a competition. Phelps, for example, can be seen sitting, serene and listening to music before swimming. While we see Bolt […]

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3 Things Coaches Can Do To Help Players Overcome Anxiety

3 Things Coaches Can Do To Help Players Overcome Anxiety

Everyone feels a bit nervous before a big game. That’s normal. There’s a difference, however, between nerves and anxiety. When apprehension starts interfering with a player’s performance – and worse, their personal life – it’s a problem. Here’s what you as a coach can do to help.  3 Things Coaches Can Do To Help Players Overcome Anxiety According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 18 percent of adults experience anxiety. It is, by all accounts, the most common mental illness in the country, affecting around 40 million adults a year.  Yet even with anxiety’s prevalence, only around […]

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What is your WHY?

What is your WHY?

“Direction is more important than speed” The highest level performers in all walks of life have one specific thing in common – they have a WHY! This is true for CEO’s of Fortune 1000 companies, U.S Military Special Forces Operators, professional and Olympic athletes, and even A-list celebrities.   What does it mean to have a WHY? All of the people mentioned above are able to successfully compete at the absolute peak of their field because they have a clear and defined reason to do what they do. Their WHY gives them purpose, motivation, determination, discipline and constantly reminds […]

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Calm Your Nerves… Literally

Almost every athlete experiences nervousness and/or anxiety about their performance from time to time. What separates the elite athletes from everyday players is the ability to control and even use this nervous energy for their benefit. This, however, is not an easy task to accomplish. “CALM DOWN!” … We have all heard this from coaches, parents, and teammates before or during a performance where it is evident that anxiety has overtaken our control. But this is easier said than done. Anxiety has potentially detrimental physiological effects on the human body. These effects can easily inhibit athletes from achieving their […]

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3 Common Mistakes By First-Time Coaches 

At its core, coaching is a noble profession. Whether you’re working in youth sports or in a professional league, there’s a lot riding on your shoulders. It’s your job to help your players be the best they can be. That’s a lot more difficult than we imagine, especially for first-time coaches.  Whether teaching kids, youths or adults, coaching is challenging work. You’re responsible for the performance of an entire group of people. For leading your team to victory and helping them through the defeats they suffer along the way. It isn’t something just anyone can do. Of course, even […]

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Self-Efficacy and Sports Performance

Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one’s ability to execute certain actions in order to achieve a specific outcome. This theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, plays a significant role for athletes and athletic performance. As coaches, if we can figure out how to nurture our athlete’s self-efficacy, then we can begin to help them unlock their full athletic potential. The question is, how do we build practice plans and teach in a way that builds this self-efficacy? Fortunately, there are several sources of self-efficacy and examples of how to incorporate them into your practices. Below I have listed […]

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Impact of Caffeine on Sports Performance

85 percent of the US population consumes caffeine every day in the form of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Caffeine is a psychoactive drug that stimulates the brain, elevates your mood, and postpones fatigue. As is the case with any other ‘drug,’ you need to be careful about how much caffeine you take, especially if you are an athlete. Caffeine affects everyone differently depending on their size, weight, health condition, the amount taken, and whether or not the person is used to it. No matter how much you love a delicious cup of coffee in the morning or a […]

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Why Mental Training Matters For Marathon Preparation

Why Mental Training Matters For Marathon Preparation

If you’re considering taking part in your first marathon or if you’re starting preparations for your next adventure of such kind, you will have to follow a certain routine to build upon your strength, endurance, and performance. Most preparation plans will take from 16 to 20 weeks, and they consist of running several times a week, gradually increasing your mileage, adding some extra cross-fit training, and proper pre-race tapers.  Such training plans, which you can easily find online, tend to focus on your mileage and getting your legs and muscles ready to handle such a physical challenge. Yet, there […]

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Organizational Skills Can Boost Your Athletic Performance

Being actively involved in sport, regardless of your capacity, will require you to be as physically and mentally healthy as possible at all times. According to research conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, participating in organized sport can expose an athlete to a number of challenges that can make him more prone to stress and anxiety. Throw a disorganized lifestyle into the mix and watch how fast an immense amount of sporting talent can go to waste. Practicing effectual organization skills in all facets of your life will benefit your sporting performance in a number of ways by reducing […]

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