The Sport Psych Show

In this insightful discussion, Ben Ashdown, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University focusing on resilience in youth football, joins Dr. Mustafa Sarkar, an expert in elite sports resilience. They delve into the behavioral indicators of resilience, emphasizing emotional regulation and teammate support in young athletes. The duo explores the nuances between persistence and resilience, rebound resilience after setbacks, and the vital role of self-awareness in performance. Their innovative methods aim to enhance coaching through psychological insights and observational tools.

In this episode, UEFA football coach and lecturer James Barraclough shares insights from over 20 years in the field and his MSc in Sport Psychology. He discusses the importance of psychosocial skills in youth soccer, emphasizing resilience and effective communication for athlete development. James highlights findings from his research on integrating psychological training in academies and the collaborative efforts needed between coaches and psychologists. His perspective sheds light on preparing athletes not just for sports but for life beyond the game.

Prof Robert Schinke, a distinguished sport psychology consultant and former equestrian athlete for Canada, shares insights from his new book, 'Gifted: 8 Steps to Succeeding in Sport, Work, and Life.' He emphasizes recognizing innate talents to achieve goals and discusses the evolving dynamics of sports that prioritize mental health over mere victories. Prof Schinke highlights the importance of cultural awareness in sports psychology, particularly for Indigenous athletes, and stresses the necessity of continuous self-reinvention for overall well-being and success.

Eamon Devlin, head coach of several senior Gaelic football teams and founder of the sports consultancy Minute9, dives deep into the importance of halftime in team sports. He shares his research findings on how players perceive coaching messages during breaks. The discussion explores emotional challenges athletes face at halftime and the critical need for structured communication. Eamon highlights strategies to create a supportive environment, integrating psychological insights and video analysis to enhance player motivation and performance.

Geir Jordet, a world-leading expert and Professor of Sport Psychology at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, shares insights from his extensive work with top football clubs. He discusses the psychology behind penalty shootouts and the mental pressures athletes face, emphasizing strategies like individual routines and gaze control to combat anxiety. Geir also highlights the evolution of player decision-making under stress, the importance of team support, and how psychological preparation can determine success or failure in these high-stakes moments.

In this engaging talk, Stuart Morgan, a top international golf coach recognized by Golf Digest, shares insights from his coaching journey. He discusses evolving from swing coaching to a holistic performance approach. Stuart introduces the Challenge Point Framework, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies for different players. He highlights the balance between autonomy and guidance in golf coaching, the importance of pressure training, and how neuroscience influences skill development. Join him as he reveals fresh ideas for enhancing athlete performance.

Brad Stulberg, known for mental health and sustainable excellence, discusses topics like redefining success, social support in sports, contrasting mindsets in athletes like Jordan and Duncan, and stress management for athletes with real-life examples and insights on achieving greatness.

Stephen Maxwell, an expert in coachable moments, discusses the importance of adaptability and authenticity in coaching styles, evolving coaching focus towards mental aspects, planning for performance in Gaelic football, embracing unconventional athlete techniques, and the significance of self-reflection and team reflection in coaching.

Lisa Alexander, high-performance consultant and former Australian Netball coach, discusses creating winning environments, coaching dynamics, psychology in coaching, coach wellbeing, and effective communication in various sports.

Jonathan Pendlebury, U18 Head Coach at RFU, discusses player development, coaching evolution, and self-regulated learning. Topics include enhancing coaching effectiveness, developing future England team members, and exploring coaching beliefs in national playing styles. The episode delves into group dynamics, cultural influences, and continuous improvement in coaching and player development.