Episode Details

If you (or your athlete) are underperforming during games, you might be asking:

Do we need more practice? Or is this a mental game issue?

In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference between a physical skill problem and a mental performance problem. Because sometimes working harder on mechanics actually makes things worse — especially when pressure, anxiety, and overthinking are the real issues.

You’ll learn:

• How to know if performance drops are caused by pressure
• Why practice alone doesn’t always fix confidence
• The difference between skill development and mental performance training
• How anxiety can change mechanics (like with the yips)
• Why over-focusing on form can hurt performance
• The key question to ask: Does performance change when pressure increases?

If you perform well in practice but struggle in games, this episode will help you understand why.

Mental training doesn’t build skill. It builds the ability to trust your skill under pressure.

If you're an athlete trying to figure out what’s holding you back — or a parent wondering whether your child needs more reps or mental performance coaching — this episode will give you clarity.

If you're interested in learning more about my 12-week mental performance coaching program, you can find the link below.

Share this episode with another athlete or parent who may need it.

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

🥇Team Mental Performance Coaching Program: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-coaching-for-teams/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.