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
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.
Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
#299 Duff Gibson - ‘It’s Just Sport!’ Reflections from an Olympic Gold Medallist
Duff Gibson, a former Olympic gold medallist and coach, shares his extensive expertise in sport and the mental facets of athletics. He discusses his journey through different sports, emphasizing self-awareness and mental strategies. Duff highlights the importance of balancing rigorous training with personal well-being, illustrating this with anecdotes of team camaraderie. He also explores intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and the necessity of a growth mindset, revealing how a supportive approach can lead to success in competitive environments.
Sep 9, 2024 • 37min
#298 Dr Kimberly Wagner - Mental Skills and Characteristics for Enhanced Performance
Dr. Kimberly Wagner, a licensed clinical and sport psychologist with a competitive athletic background, shares her insights on enhancing performance through mental skills. She reveals the vital role of resilience and positive self-talk, particularly in baseball. The discussion highlights the connection between mental health and athletic success, emphasizing tailored mental skills training. Kimberly also illustrates how these skills can be applied beyond sports to elevate performance in professional settings, offering listeners practical tools to navigate mental barriers.
8 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 7min
#297 Ben Ashdown & Dr Mustafa Sarkar - Exploring the Behavioural Indicators of Resilience
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.
6 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 51min
#296 James Barraclough - How to Identify and Develop Psychosocial Skills and Characteristics
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.
