on the mental game 💪🏆
Coach Note: https://preview.mailerlite.com/i0x1h4
Your Athletes have talent, but can they access that talent consistently? My definition of a mentally tough athlete is one who is “able to access their talent regardless of the situation at the highest level your are capable on a consistent basis.” All coaches agree that the mental aspect of athletics is important, but surprisingly many coaches do not spend time strengthening things like focus and emotional regulation.
There are many, many books on the subject, and when yo have time I highly recommend learning about the basics of sport psychology and setting aside practice time to educate your athletes on the subject. Pick up The Way of the Champion or The Inner Game of Tennis and try to create opportunities to help your athletes strengthen their mind so they can increase their ability to be at the top of their ability.
READING
In Boys Adrift, Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on more than twenty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at home. He shows how social, cultural, and biological factors have created an environment that is literally toxic to boys.
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know
I am a huge fan of Malcom Gladwell. He writes fantastic books and his podcast is just as good. Gladwell argues that something is very wrong with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don't know. And because we don't know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world.
WATCHING
I haven't watched a whole lot on the television in the past month, but I plan to watch the Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance this week. It will launch on Netflix in the U.S. on July 19. I know, I should have watched it already, but I was busy!
LISTENING
Against the Rules with Michael Lewis came out with the second season and it is all about coaching. I definitely recommend binging on it!
