Coaching Culture 416: Unlocking Athlete Potential with David Durand’s BET Method (Breath, Eyes, Touch) | Part 1
Are you a coach struggling to connect with Gen Z athletes? Do you wish your team had better emotional regulation on and off the court? In this insightful episode, we sit down with David Durand, founder of RealDevelopment.org and author of "Bet On It," to explore a revolutionary approach to coaching that goes beyond traditional skill development.
David, a former basketball coach with a background in clinical psychology, shares his journey to understanding the profound link between an athlete's mental state and their performance. Discover why he believes athletes are often "biologically unable" rather than just "unwilling," and how focusing on their nervous system can unlock their true potential.
Learn about David's powerful BET Method (Breath, Eyes, Touch) – three practical pathways to help athletes regulate their emotions, improve focus, and build deeper connections. We discuss how coaches can use intentional questions to foster athlete awareness, create environments that support co-regulation, and implement simple team rituals that dramatically reduce stress and enhance performance.
Whether you're coaching a youth team or an elite squad, this episode offers actionable insights into building more resilient, self-aware, and high-performing athletes. Don't miss this game-changing conversation that will transform how you lead and connect with your team!
Key Takeaways You'll Learn:
Why understanding an athlete's psychological state is as crucial as their physical skills.
How to differentiate between an athlete's "unwillingness" and their "biological inability."
Practical strategies using Breath, Eyes, and Touch to regulate individual and team nervous systems.
The power of co-regulation and how a coach's own emotional state impacts the entire team.
Simple team rituals that foster belonging and reduce performance anxiety.
Connect with David Durand:
Website: https://realdevelopment.org/
Book: "Bet On It"