Sports Psychology Coaching

How do athletes reset mentally between plays or points?In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains a simple and effective mental reset routine athletes can use between every play, point, or moment in competition. Resetting quickly helps prevent one mistake from turning into many and keeps your focus, confidence, and performance consistent.In this episode, you will learn:The 3-step mental reset routine (Release → Refocus → Recommit)How to let go of the previous play or point quicklyHow to refocus your attention in the present momentHow to commit to the next play with a clear intentionCommon mistakes athletes make when trying to resetHow to train your reset routine in practice and visualizationThis mental reset routine can be used in any sport, including tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf, and is designed to help athletes stay composed, focused, and ready for the next play.Read the full article on mentally resetting during games:https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/focus-training-for-sports/how-to-mentally-reset-during-games/Learn more about 1-on-1 mental performance coaching:https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/ ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

Many athletes tie their self-confidence directly to stats, wins, and recent performances. When they play well, they feel confident. When they struggle, their confidence drops — and that drop in confidence makes it even harder to turn things around. This creates a frustrating cycle of slumps, pressure, and underperforming.In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains why confidence tied to results is unstable and how this pattern increases fear of mistakes, stress, and timid play. More importantly, he outlines a clear strategy to help you separate your confidence from outcomes and build belief based on controllable process habits instead.You'll learn:Why confidence that depends on results keeps athletes stuck in slumpsHow fluctuating confidence leads to tight, hesitant performanceWhy athletes become afraid of their own reaction to mistakesHow to build confidence from preparation, effort, and mindsetHow to redefine success during games in a way that stabilizes performanceThe mindset shift required to let go of outcomes and reclaim controlIf you're tired of feeling confident only when things are going well, this episode will help you build stable, process-based confidence that holds up under pressure — even during bad games.For athletes who want deeper support, Eli also shares how his 12-week one-on-one mental performance coaching program helps athletes build lasting confidence and mental resilience. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

What's the best way for athletes to develop positive self-talk habits before and during games? In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains how your thoughts shape your mindset, emotions, and performance, and how to train your thinking to compete with confidence and freedom.You'll learn how negative thought patterns create fear, tension, and hesitant play, and how positive self-talk helps athletes stay confident, focused, and resilient under pressure.Eli breaks down a simple, practical system for building strong self-talk habits both before competition and during games.In this episode, you'll learn:Why self-talk directly impacts confidence, emotions, and performanceHow to identify and replace negative thought patterns before competitionA simple daily self-talk routine to retrain your mindsetHow to use mantras during games to stay calm, focused, and confidentHow reframing helps you recover quickly after mistakesHow proactive self-talk keeps your mind positive under pressureHow to stay present and avoid outcome-focused thinking during competitionPositive self-talk is not about “just thinking positive.” It is about training your mind to support your performance, manage fear, and help you compete freely and confidently.If you want to strengthen your mental game, build confidence, and learn how to control your mindset before and during competition, this episode will give you a clear system to start using immediately.Eli Straw is a mental performance coach who works with athletes around the world through a structured 12-week mental performance coaching program focused on confidence, composure, focus, and resilience under pressure.Learn more about 1-on-1 Mental Performance Coaching: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coachingShare this episode with an athlete who struggles with negative thinking, fear, or confidence during competition. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

What is the best way to build a strong, repeatable pre-performance routine as an athlete?In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains how to create a pre-game mental routine that helps you feel confident, focused, present, and ready to compete. A strong pre-performance routine does not guarantee perfect results, but it gives you a consistent mindset so you can perform at your best under pressure.You will learn how to identify your ideal competitive mindset, choose the right mental training tools, and build a routine that works for your personality, sport, and level of play. Eli also shares a simple sample pre-performance routine that athletes can begin using immediately.In this episode, you'll learn:What a pre-performance routine is and why it improves consistencyHow to develop the right competitive mindset for your personalityThe three core goals of a strong pre-game routine: readiness, presence, and letting goMental training tools you can use, including mindfulness, breathing, visualization, self-talk, journaling, and controllable goalsA simple, proven pre-performance routine used by athletes across many sportsHow routines build confidence, focus, and emotional control during competitionThis episode is for athletes who struggle with nerves, inconsistency, pressure, or feeling mentally unprepared before competition and want to develop a reliable mental routine.Work With Eli Straw (Mental Performance Coaching)If you want help building your own personalized pre-performance routine and strengthening your mental game, learn more about Eli's 12-week 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program below.Inside the program:Mental game assessmentPersonalized mental training planWeekly coaching sessionsMental skills training and exercisesOngoing support between sessionsLearn more here: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/ ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

Why are you confident in practice but nervous in games?Many athletes play freely and confidently during training — but once competition starts, they feel anxious, tight, and afraid of making mistakes. In this episode, I explain why this happens and the best approach for athletes who are confident in practice but nervous in games.As a mental performance coach, this is one of the most common issues I see. The difference between practice and competition is not skill, it's pressure, consequences, and how you respond to nervousness.In this video, you'll learn:Why games feel more intense than practiceThe real reason nervousness leads to tension and poor performanceWhy trying to “force confidence” makes things worseHow to accept nerves without letting them control youHow to shift from outcome-focused thinking to controllable goalsA simple two-step approach to play more freely in competitionKey takeaway: Nervousness is not the problem. The way you respond to nervousness determines how you perform.Instead of trying to eliminate nerves or create fake confidence, you'll learn how to:Acknowledge that games matter and accept nervousnessFocus on small, specific, controllable actions that lead to successThis process builds real confidence — the kind that shows up under pressure.If you struggle with performance anxiety, game-day nerves, fear of mistakes, or playing worse in games than in practice, this episode will help you develop a stronger mental approach to competition.—I also offer a 12-week 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program where we:Start with a full mental game assessmentBuild your custom mental game planMeet weekly to train mental skillsUse structured exercises and accountabilityProvide ongoing support between sessions ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

What's the best way for an athlete to start mental training if they've never worked with a sports psychologist or mental performance coach before?The best way to begin mental training is to treat mental skills like physical skills and build a simple daily routine focused on four foundational areas: mindfulness, self-talk, self-awareness, and visualization. Mental skills such as confidence, focus, and composure are trainable, and with consistent practice, athletes can develop a stronger mindset and perform better under pressure.In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains what mental training is, why mindset is trainable, and how athletes can begin building their mental game starting today.Direct AnswerThe best way for an athlete to start mental training is to build a simple daily routine that includes:• Mindfulness meditation to improve focus and stay present• Self-talk training to reprogram negative thinking• Journaling to increase self-awareness and understand fears• Visualization to build confidence and mentally rehearse successAthletes do not need a coach to begin. They need consistency. A simple 20 minute daily mental training routine can significantly improve confidence, focus, and performance in competition.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat mental training is and why it mattersWhy mental skills are trainable like physical skillsThe four foundational mental skills athletes needHow mindfulness improves focus and composureHow self-talk builds confidence and controls negative thinkingHow journaling improves awareness and emotional controlHow visualization strengthens confidence and performance under pressureHow to build a simple daily mental training routineHow to use mental training as part of your pre-game routineSimple Daily Mental Training Routine (20 Minutes)Journal writingSelf-talk statementsMindfulness meditationVisualizationIf you want a structured and personalized mental training plan, Eli offers a 12 Week 1-on-1 Mental Performance Coaching Program that includes:Mental Game AssessmentCustom Mental Game PlanWeekly Coaching SessionsPersonalized Workbook and ExercisesOngoing Support Between Sessions ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

Visualization is one of the most powerful mental training tools athletes can use before competition—but only when used the right way. In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains how to use visualization correctly to build confidence, stay calm under pressure, and perform freely during games.Many athletes unknowingly create stress during visualization by forcing perfection or trying to avoid mistakes. In this episode, you'll learn how to visualize in a relaxed, effective way that strengthens confidence, reduces anxiety, and improves your response to pressure and mistakes.In this episode, you'll learn:How visualization affects confidence, nerves, and performanceThe biggest mistake athletes make when visualizing before games4 powerful ways to use visualization pre-competitionHow to visualize without creating tension or pressureHow to use visualization to stay calm and confident under pressureHow to mentally rehearse bouncing back from mistakesHow to build visualization into your pre-game routineThe 4 Types of Visualization Covered:Confidence-building visualization (seeing yourself perform well)Relaxation / anchoring visualization (calming nerves and anxiety)Pressure visualization (mentally preparing for high-pressure moments)Bounce-back visualization (training your response after mistakes)Visualization helps athletes:Build confidence before competitionReduce performance anxiety and nervesHandle pressure more effectivelyImprove composure after mistakesTrust their training and perform freelyIf you struggle with fear of failure, performance anxiety, overthinking, or losing confidence during competition, visualization can be a powerful tool to strengthen your mental game. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

Are you struggling with fear of failure in sports, performance anxiety, or playing scared in competition? Many athletes believe they lack confidence, but the real problem is often fear of mistakes, fear of embarrassment, and fear of letting others down. When fear controls your game, confidence cannot show up — no matter how skilled you are.In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains why working through fear is more important than building confidence. Confidence is trust in your ability, but if fear of failure is present, athletes hesitate, second-guess, and underperform — especially under pressure.This episode is for athletes who:• Perform well in practice but struggle in games• Feel confident in training but tight or hesitant in competition• Deal with performance anxiety or fear of mistakes• Struggle with confidence, pressure, or overthinking• Feel like they are holding themselves backWhat You'll Learn• Why fear of failure in sports blocks confidence and causes timid play• The connection between performance anxiety and playing scared• Why confidence alone does not prevent choking under pressure• How fear leads to hesitation, overthinking, and underperforming in games• A simple 3-step mental training process to reduce fear and play freely• How to trust your skills and compete with confidence under pressureEli shares real examples from a professional basketball player and a Division 1 baseball player who overcame fear of mistakes, competitive anxiety, and self-doubt to perform freely and aggressively in competition.The Key Mental Game Truth: Confidence does not eliminate fear. Fear must be addressed first.When athletes reduce fear of failure, their natural confidence, trust, and ability begin to show — allowing them to stop playing scared and start competing freely.Work With Eli StrawEli Straw is a mental performance coach who helps athletes overcome fear of failure, performance anxiety, negative self-talk, and confidence struggles through a structured mental training system. Athletes learn how to build trust, play freely, and perform under pressure. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

Team Mental Performance Coaching Program: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-coaching-for-teams/The 12-Week Team Mental Performance Coaching Program is a complete, structured system designed to strengthen your team's mindset, boost confidence, and improve performance under pressure. Through weekly trainings, guided lessons, athlete worksheets, and coach support materials, the program teaches your team the exact mental skills needed to play with consistency, resilience, and focus.Across 12 weeks, athletes learn how to build confidence, manage nerves, handle mistakes, develop stronger self-talk habits, stay composed in high-pressure moments, and lock in on controllables. Each week includes a clear theme, practical exercises, and strategies that translate directly to practices and games.Coaches receive simple, actionable guidance for reinforcing the skills, along with parent resources to help create a supportive environment outside of training. By the end of the program, your team will have a unified mental approach, stronger communication, better emotional regulation, and a consistent ability to compete with confidence — game after game, season after season. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching