Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 11, Understanding Seasonal Mental Resets in Training
In this episode, I discuss how to determine the optimal timing and duration for mental resets in athletic training, and how to recognize when an athlete might benefit from one.
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 10, Tried and True Techniques for Everyone
In this episode, I discuss fundamental psychological skills that can enhance performance and well-being for both athletes and coaches.
Podcast Announcement: Empirical Cycling Guest Appearance: Perspectives Episode #37
Aware Performance Group’s Billy Ryan was recently a guest on The Empirical Cycling Podcast. Read on for more details and link to the show.
Two Sport Psychologists Are Better Than One: The Case for Specialized Roles
In reality, these roles are often merged into a single position, leading to significant conflicts of interest and diminished effectiveness. To truly support athletes and maximize performance, organizations need to hire two sport psychology professionals: one specializing in counseling and one focusing solely on performance.
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 09, Do Over Thinkers Have a Place in High-Performance Sports?
In this episode, I delve into the dynamics of thought processes among athletes and how they impact performance. We'll discuss whether being an "overthinker" is a hindrance or if there's a valuable place
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 08, Addressing Overtraining and Obsessive Behaviors in Athletes
In this episode, I share ways to help athletes when they are engaging in obsessive behaviors and when to involve a professional...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 07, Engaging Athletes in the Feedback Loop
In this episode, I share ways to help athletes connect with feedback systems that can help them improve...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 06, Finding the Right Balance: How Much Visualization Is Too Much?
In this episode, I share ways to help athletes find the right balance with how much they visualize their efforts...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 05, Books vs. One-on-One Sessions: Maximizing Your Mental Game
In this episode, I review the relative benefits of working through a self-help book versus hiring a professional...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 04, Putting Training Setbacks into Sustainable Context
In this episode, I share ways to help athletes connect with the bigger picture during training challenges and setbacks...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 03, Navigating Performer Low Motivation after Unexpectedly Poor Performances
In this episode, I share ways to work with a performer as they try to navigate the fallout of an unexpectedly poor performance...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 02, “Manifesting?!”
In this episode, I take a unique interpretation on manifesting to turn a bait question into a discussion of when to learn and practice skills related to future...
Coaches Ask a Sport Psych, Episode 01, Meditation for Relaxation
In this episode, I address common misconceptions about meditation in sports. Instead of viewing it merely as a relaxation tool, I explore how meditation strengthens an athlete's ability to remain present and fully engaged...
Preventing Burnout in Athletes and Employees: Behavioral Insights for Sustainable Success
...as if a fire has torn through your brain or heart and left only charred emotional remains. The metaphor is apt for the experience across sport and performance domains. Both athletes and employees have described burnout as causing feelings of loss, devaluing, resentment, and exhaustion...
How does mindfulness help me as a parent of an athlete?
...This practice—often called mindfulness or present moment awareness—trains the mind to stay focused on what’s happening right now, not on what went wrong earlier or what might happen next...
How can I help my athletes focus on what is important for them?
...By teaching your athletes how to focus on the present moment, you can give them a mental edge that complements their physical skills...
How does meditation help my performance?
... whatever the name, the goal is the same: training your mind to stay in the "now." In sports, missing those fleeting opportunities because your mind is stuck in the past or worrying about the future can cost you big time...
Podcast Announcement: Empirical Cycling Guest Appearance: Perspectives Episode #33
Patrick Smith was recently a guest on The Empirical Cycling Podcast. Read on for more details and link to the show.
Publication Announcement: Frontiers in Psychology: Cognition
I also work in research on clinical methods and have work published in research journals from time to time. This is one of those times.