The Sport Psych Show
Dan Abrahams
Join Sport Psychologist, Dan Abrahams, on The Sport Psych Show as he aims to demystify sport psychology for players, coaches and parents by speaking with some of the most influential people in sports performance today. Dan is on a mission to learn more about how sport psychology philosophies, tools and techniques positively impact participation, progression and performance in sport. He wants to learn more about how to drive participation – what motivational tools engage players and inspire people to play and stay in their sport. He wants to explore how players can progress quicker and more effectively – what is great practice and training? And how does learning in sport really happen? Finally, he wants to hear what his guests have to say about the psychology of performance – how do they think players can improve their ability to high perform consistently under pressure? Discover simple and practical tools and techniques by listening in to Dan’s conversations with elite competitors, sports coaches, sport scientists, and psychologists.
Episodes
Mentioned books
28 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 8min
#309 Rusty Earnshaw & Danny Newcombe - Coaching Skills Toolbox
Join Rusty Earnshaw, a former professional rugby player turned coach, and Danny Newcombe, a Senior Coach Development Manager at the Premier League, as they dive into the art of coaching. They discuss the powerful influence of psychology in sports, sharing insights on building emotional intelligence and effective communication. Rusty and Danny explore the importance of empowering players through independence and adaptability, and the significance of game intelligence in enhancing performance. Their engaging conversation offers valuable strategies for coaches at all levels.
Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 12min
#308 Johnny Gorman - Reflections on Being Released
Johnny Gorman, a trainee clinical psychologist and former professional footballer, dives into the often overlooked psychological struggles of young players released from clubs. He sheds light on his research about the lasting impacts of being deselected, including increased risks of anxiety and depression. Johnny emphasizes the need for youth to develop identities beyond sports and the importance of systemic support from clubs. He shares insights on how these young athletes can navigate their emotional challenges, aiming to foster greater awareness and care in football culture.
Nov 18, 2024 • 51min
#307 Dr Thomas Simpson - Utilising OPTIMAL Theory in your Coaching Practice
Dr. Thomas Simpson, a Lecturer in Motor Learning at Edge Hill University, discusses optimizing children's motor learning through attentional and motivational insights. He reveals how the OPTIMAL theory can transform physical education by using external focus and enhanced expectations. The conversation explores fostering autonomy in coaching, the importance of thoughtful feedback, and the impact of positive reinforcement on young athletes. Additionally, he highlights the crucial differences between external and internal focus in improving sports performance.
13 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 53min
#306 Dr Scott McLean - Complexity and Systems Thinking in Sport
In this engaging chat, Dr. Scott McLean, a Senior Research Fellow and award-winning football coach, delves into complexity and systems thinking in sports. He emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance performance and tackle challenges in athletics. Scott discusses anti-doping systems, advocating for holistic reforms instead of blaming athletes. He also critiques accountability in football, highlighting successful club models. Lastly, he explores the implications of talent and recognition for young athletes within systemic dynamics.
Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 9min
#305 Bernadette Kellermann - Exploring Transitions Between Mental States During Performance
In this insightful conversation, Bernadette Kellermann, a Sport Psychologist and PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, shares her unique journey from music to performance psychology. She discusses the Multi-Action Plan (MAP) Model and its application in understanding transitions between mental states in high-level judo performance. The exploration includes the interplay of mental dynamics during competition, the significance of emotional regulation, and the unique performance states athletes navigate. Bernadette highlights reflective practices that enhance athlete development, enriching our understanding of mental transitions in sport.
Oct 28, 2024 • 43min
#304 Mia KurtzFavero - Exploring the Parent-Coach Dual Role
Mia KurtzFavero, a recent Master’s graduate in Sport Psychology and an avid volleyball coach, dives into the complex world of parent-coaches. She discusses her compelling research on the dual role of coaching and parenting, revealing the challenges these individuals face and the lack of resources available to them. Mia emphasizes the importance of strong interpersonal skills and effective communication between parent-coaches and their children. She calls for more research and structured support to enhance coaching effectiveness in youth sports.
9 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 10min
#303 Dr Jim Taylor - Train Your Mind for Athletic Success
Dr. Jim Taylor, an internationally recognized expert on performance psychology and a former world-ranked alpine ski racer, shares insights on training the mind for athletic success. He discusses the critical role of mental training, emphasizing positive mindset and confidence. Taylor explores how personal narratives shape athletes' performance and the significant emphasis on mental health in sports. He also highlights strategies for building self-efficacy and overcoming mental barriers, underscoring the connection between psychology and unlocking athletic potential.
16 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
#302 Dr Derek Panchuk - The Importance of Coaching Visual Perception
In this discussion, Dr. Derek Panchuk, a skill acquisition specialist with over 15 years of experience, dives into the art and science of coaching. He emphasizes the crucial role of visual perception in sports, highlighting how elite athletes like Messi excel in decision-making through effective visual cues. Derek explores innovative training methods, including gamifying cricket practices with audio cues to enhance anticipation. He also stresses the balance between training volume and skill development, advocating for adaptable coaching strategies that boost athlete performance and resilience.
9 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 5min
#301 Mehdi Kordi - Transforming a Coaching Culture
Mehdi Kordi, a performance coach and scientist with a PhD in Sport and Exercise Physiology, previously led the Dutch National Cycling Union to Olympic success. He discusses transforming a struggling cycling team into world champions through strategic cultural shifts and trust-building. Mehdi emphasizes the balance between data-driven coaching and understanding athletes' emotional needs. He also explores innovative approaches like marginal gains and highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and team cohesion in high-performance sports.
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
#300 Dan Abrahams (with Dr Chris Shambrook) - What I’ve Learned About High Performance from Hosting 300 Episodes
Dr. Chris Shambrook, a sports psychologist with 25 years of coaching experience and six Olympic Games under his belt, shares insights about high performance. The conversation reflects on lessons learned from hosting numerous industry leaders. They discuss the essential role of confidence in both sports and corporate settings, the evolution of sports psychology, and the importance of mental frameworks for athletes. Chris emphasizes belief and communication in coaching, and the need for collaboration in enhancing performance across various fields.
