Sports Psychology Coaching

Learn the two types of goals you can set for games and how each one can be used to improve your performance. 

Does the game speed up on you? Learn a simple way you can slow the game down and play with more confidence and composure.

Do you overthink mistakes? Many athletes try to learn from their mistakes during games, but this only leads to overthinking, self-criticism, and distraction. Learn what you need to do instead, and when you should actually learn from your mistakes. 

Does coach pull you after you make one mistake? This can cause athletes to play scared and actually cause more mistakes to happen. Learn 3 tips you can apply to play freely, even if coach pulls you after you make a mistake.

Do you freeze up, hesitate, or play tight at the start of games even though you know how good you are? In this episode, I explain why athletes freeze under pressure and what you can do mentally to stop overthinking, trust yourself, and compete freely.

Does your child struggle with losing their composure? In this episode, I share a strategy I have used to help hundreds of athletes manage anger and frustration within sports.

Athletes often play their best when they feel free, confident, and not afraid of mistakes. In this episode, I explain why athletes often perform better when they know they're the best player on the team, when they aren't afraid of being benched, or when they stop trying to prove themselves. 

Do you struggle with trusting your training during games? Learn what blocks trust and three tips you can apply to trust your training more in competition. 

If you struggle with sports anxiety, moving on from mistakes, self-doubt, or any other mental game challenge, acceptance will help! In this video, I explain why acceptance matters, what it involves, and how to apply it to your game.

How do I stop being so hard on myself during games? In this episode, I provide three tips that answer that exact question. To help you go from criticizing yourself to supporting yourself and getting the best out of yourself during games.

How do I perform well when I feel anxious? If you've been dealing with sports performance anxiety, try these three tips to help yourself play well, even though you feel anxious during the game.

Are you the one putting pressure on yourself to be perfect? In this video, I share 4 tips you can apply to stop putting pressure on yourself during games. 

Do you play passively and defensively during games? Learn why this happens and a mindset shift you need to make to go from playing scared, to playing confidently!

Did you have an embarrassing game? These types of games are difficult to bounce back from and can quickly lead to fear and anxiety. Learn a powerful strategy to handle embarrassing games in a more productive way.

Do you get tight in big moments? Learn why you choke under pressure and a simple, but powerful, strategy you can apply to come up clutch in these big moments.

Do you get shaky and really anxious before games? Learn why this happens and a simple strategy you can apply to manage your pregame stress.

Do you overthink at the plate? Learn a strategy I teach to elite hitters to stop overthinking at the plate and hit with a calm and focused mind.

If you feel like you play worse in games than you do in practice, this is likely why. Caring too much about the outcome—how you play, what people think, whether you succeed or fail—pulls your focus away from the moment and into your head. In this episode, I break down why caring too much creates tension and hesitation, and how to shift your focus so you can play more freely and perform the way you know you're capable of.Improve your self-talk video: https://youtu.be/S9GI6b-adCc

In this episode, I go into detail on how trying to prove yourself holds you back, and provide you with two tips you can apply to stop playing with fear when coaches or parent sare watching. 

In this episode, I break down how comparing yourself to other players hurts your game, and what you can do to stop this constant comparison.

Learn a powerful pregame rouitne you can apply to your next competition to help you start games strong!Mindfulness video: https://youtu.be/Fp3Yxt2GHHU

Learn why you struggle with confidence during games, even if you're confident in practice!

In this episode, I go over what truly drives fear of mistakes in sports. I also give you two strategies you can begin applying to games if you currently are afraid of making mistakes.

Why does frustration cause you to make more mistakes? In this episode, I discuss how frustration, either toward yourself or others, distracts you and results in more mistakes. I also go over a mindset shift to work on managing frustration during games.

In this episode, you will learn the three signs you need to look out for that indicate fear of failure is controlling your game.How to Overcome Fear of Failure Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlwtJYzKCHU

In this episode, I go over why athletes play scared during games. Including the two major reasons why scared play forms, how scared play hurts your performance, and a few tips you can use to stop playing scared during competition. 

In this episode, I discuss the pattern that occurs when athletes hesitate. You'll learn what truly drives hesitation during competition, and a mindset shift you can make to stop hesitating during games.

In this episode I go over three main reasons athletes are inconsistent during games. And three tips you can use to play better during games.

In this episode, I explain what to say to your athlete after a bad game and how the wrong conversation can actually hurt their confidence moving forward. I break down how criticism increases fear and pressure, why athletes struggle to move on from poor performances, and how you can guide them to bounce back faster.

In this episode, I explain why trying too hard during games can actually hurt your performance. I break down how pressure leads to forcing outcomes, how that creates tension and slows reaction time, and the mindset shift you need to make to play freely and perform at your best in competition.

In this episode, I explain why athletes often play great in practice but struggle in games. I break down the three biggest mental reasons this happens—fear of making mistakes, overthinking with a practice mindset, and trying to over-control performance. I also share a simple mental shift you can use to start performing more freely and confidently in competition.

In this episode, I explain why one mistake during a game often leads to many more mistakes. I break down the mental reaction that causes this snowball effect and share a simple reset technique athletes can use to stop mistakes from spiraling and return to confident performance.'

In this episode, I explain why athletes lose confidence after one mistake and why a single error can cause negative thinking, fear, and hesitation during competition. I also share a simple mental reset strategy athletes can use to regain focus and prevent one mistake from turning into many more.

In this episode, I explain why mental coaching and sports psychology are so important for youth athletes. I cover the most common mental game challenges young athletes face, including fear of failure, performance anxiety, perfectionism, and negative self-talk.

Fear of failure in sports causes many athletes to hesitate, play cautiously, and hold themselves back during competition. This fear is rarely about the mistake itself, but about the perceived consequences such as embarrassment, criticism, getting benched, or negative statistics. In this episode, I explain why the fear of failure develops, how it leads to performance anxiety and timid play, and a simple three-step process athletes can use to overcome fear of failure, focus on controllable actions, and compete with greater confidence.Additional ResourcesFear of Failure in Sports (Full Guide): https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/fear-of-failure-in-sports/overcome-fear-of-failure-in-sports/

What should you do if you have a big game, competition, or tryout coming up—but your recent practices haven't gone well?This is something I see athletes struggle with all the time. When practices go poorly leading up to a performance, confidence drops. Doubt increases. Athletes begin to question whether they can perform well.In this episode, I explain how athletes can mentally prepare for competition even when recent training sessions haven't gone well.I discuss why many athletes base their confidence on their most recent performance, how that can hurt you mentally going into a game, and what you can do instead to compete with more trust, freedom, and present-moment focus.In this episode you'll learn:Why bad practices before a game can damage confidenceHow athletes accidentally use the wrong point of reference before competingHow to mentally reset before a competition or tryoutHow visualization can rebuild belief in your abilityWhy true confidence is about playing freely, not guaranteeing successIf you're an athlete who struggles with confidence, performance anxiety, or performing worse in games than in practice, these strategies can help you compete with more composure and trust in your abilities.I work with athletes from around the world through my 12-week 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program, where I help athletes build confidence, improve focus, and perform better under pressure.Learn more about mental performance coaching 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

Athletes often struggle with anxiety and overthinking because they focus on results, playing time, or other things outside their control. In this episode, I explain why focusing on controllable actions like preparation, response to mistakes, and present-moment thinking improves confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps you perform better under pressure. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

Game-day confidence isn't about hyping yourself up. It isn't about convincing yourself you're the best player on the field.It's about trust.In this episode, I break down why confidence often disappears during competition — even when you've prepared well — and I share a simple three-pillar strategy you can use to build real game-day confidence and perform more freely under pressure.If you play well in practice but struggle during games, I explain:Why preparation alone doesn't guarantee confidenceHow fear and anxiety overshadow trust during gamesWhat real confidence actually isHow to shift your focus away from outcomes and onto controllablesThe three pillars of building game-day confidenceHow to reset quickly after mistakesI also explain how I help athletes build confidence week by week inside my structured 12-week one-on-one mental performance coaching program.Confidence isn't about guarantees.It's about learning how to be present, relaxed, and trusting yourself — even when pressure is high.If you're ready to stop chasing fake confidence and start playing freely, this episode will give you a clear direction forward.Learn more about working with me 1-on-1 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

If you (or your athlete) are underperforming during games, you might be asking:Do we need more practice? Or is this a mental game issue?In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference between a physical skill problem and a mental performance problem. Because sometimes working harder on mechanics actually makes things worse — especially when pressure, anxiety, and overthinking are the real issues.You'll learn:How to know if performance drops are caused by pressureWhy practice alone doesn't always fix confidenceThe difference between skill development and mental performance trainingHow anxiety can change mechanics (like with the yips)Why over-focusing on form can hurt performanceThe key question to ask: Does performance change when pressure increases?If you perform well in practice but struggle in games, this episode will help you understand why.Mental training doesn't build skill. It builds the ability to trust your skill under pressure.If you're an athlete trying to figure out what's holding you back — or a parent wondering whether your child needs more reps or mental performance coaching — this episode will give you clarity.If you're interested in learning more about my 12-week mental performance coaching program, you can find the link below.Share this episode with another athlete or parent who may need it. ➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-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