The Power of Mental Reps: Elevating Your Team's Performance

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a basketball practice at a high school in downtown Phoenix. The head coach, concerned about his athletes' focus during practice, invited me to observe and offer insights. It took me about 45 minutes to pinpoint the issue: excessive downtime with athletes standing in lines.

This observation raises a crucial question: How much time do your athletes spend waiting in line during practice? In my biannual 'Mental Performance for Sports Coaches' course, we delve deep into the psychology of athletes. A key focus is keeping them engaged, not just in practice but also in competition.

Arnold Schwarzenegger famously said, "From the bodybuilding days on, I learned that everything is reps and mileage. The more miles you ski, the better a skier you become; the more reps you do, the better your body." This philosophy extends beyond bodybuilding to every aspect of athletic training.

Every achievement in life requires either mileage or reps. Are athletes idly waiting for their turn or observing from the sidelines, missing out on crucial learning opportunities? The answer is likely yes. However, without your guidance as a coach, they won't automatically engage in productive observation. It's your role to teach them what to observe and how to learn from both their actions and those of others.

By encouraging athletes to engage mentally during downtime, you help them increase their 'mental reps.' This approach makes your practice sessions more efficient and fosters a deeper understanding of the game among your athletes.

Remember, every moment on the field is an opportunity for growth, whether they're actively participating or keenly observing. As coaches, it's our responsibility to ensure that no rep, no moment of mileage, is wasted.