130. Mental Performance Made Simple: Practice Design, Parent Communication, and Handling Adversity with James Leath

In this episode of the Better Coaching podcast, Luke Gromer speaks with mental performance coach James Leath.

They discuss how coaches can embed mental performance development into their coaching and practices. It also dives into the significance of organized practice in sports, emphasizing the distinction between practicing for skill development and preparing for competition.

James highlights the necessity of creating a structured environment where athletes can learn decision-making under pressure, ultimately enhancing their performance in actual games.

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GUEST INFO

James Leath

• Guest’s Website: jamesleath.com

  Guest’s Email: coach@jamesleath.com

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Takeaways

• Organized practice is crucial for effective skill development.
• Athletes often do not pay attention during unstructured practice.
• There is a difference between practicing drills and preparing for competition.
• Structured practices help athletes learn to make decisions.
• Experiencing pressure in practice prepares athletes for games.
• Coaches need to focus on both skill development and competition readiness.
• Practices should simulate game-like conditions.
• Athletes benefit from learning in a competitive environment.
• Effective coaching requires organization and planning.
• Understanding the purpose of practice can enhance athlete performance.

Keywords

organized practice, competition, skill development, coaching, youth sports, decision making, pressure, game readiness