Coaching the Mental Game of Softball: Recent Episodes
Mental Sweet Spot
If you're the type of coach who believes team culture is key, mental training is a secret weapon, and we can make the biggest impact when we coach the whole person, this podcast is for you!
Hey there! We're Melanie Rushing and Alicia Smith - just a couple of softball coaches like you, who want to share our passion for building team culture & mentally tough players. :)
New episodes are released on Mondays and are typically about 30 minutes long. Just enough time to drive the field or give it a good drag. We share what we've learned in our 30+ combined years of on-field experience (influenced by our Sport Psych, Coaching Sport Performance & Leadership education)
PLUS we bring on guests from the top softball teams, field of sport psychology and those who specialize in sport performance!
SO if you want to learn actionable tips and strategies to help your team win more games and have more fun head to your podcast player of choice & subscribe!
Talk to you soon!
Fear of failure. Pressure to be perfect. The weight of not letting anyone down.
College-bound athletes are under more pressure than ever — and most of it is happening silently, behind the scenes.
In this episode, we break down the real mental blocks sabotaging recruiting success — and how to shift from spiraling under pressure to rising through it.
You’ll learn:
– Why fear of failure kills motivation — and how to rebuild confidence
– The difference between perfectionism vs. high standards (and which one actually gets her recruited)
– How to reframe pressure as a privilege — not a punishment
– The mindset shift every parent and coach should adopt to reduce anxiety
– What the WIN Method is — and how it gives athletes a clear path forward
Whether your athlete is deep in the process or just getting started, this episode will help her shift from fear to focus — and lead her own journey with courage.
Ready to build a real plan and stop guessing?
Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
You’ve emailed, posted, showed up, and stayed visible — but still, it’s crickets.
If your athlete is putting in the work and getting nothing but silence in return, this episode is for you.
We’re pulling back the curtain on:
- Why coaches actually go quiet
- How to stay motivated when the inbox is empty
- And how to stop waiting — and start leading — your recruiting journey
We walk you through our WIN Method:
🔹 W = Why — Clarity on what your athlete actually wants
🔹 I = Intention — Becoming the kind of leader coaches can’t ignore
🔹 N = Next-Level Habits — Building daily momentum that keeps recruiting moving
This is the same framework we walk families through on the WINNERGAME™ Recruiting Strategy Call — a 30-minute call that turns uncertainty into direction.
Because when your athlete leads the process, they don’t just get seen — they get recruited.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
In this episode, we're joined by Jay Paterno — former D1 coach, author, and advocate for the future of college athletics. Son of coaching legend Joe Paterno and author of BLITZED!, Jay brings a rare perspective that bridges tradition and transformation in the world of recruiting.
Together, we unpack what most families are missing when it comes to choosing the right school — and why chasing offers, rankings, or money first leads to burnout, disappointment, and regret.
You’ll learn:
- Why the most successful programs recruit values first, not stats
- The #1 thing players need to hear from parents after games
- How mental performance and leadership actually get kids recruited
- The real toll NIL, early commitments, and the transfer portal are taking
- Why most families are spending money backward — and what to do instead
Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the recruiting chaos, this episode is your permission to slow down, zoom out, and lead with clarity.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
Most families approach recruiting like they’re walking up to Lake Michigan with a busted rod, random bait, and zero idea what they’re trying to catch.
That ends now.
In this episode, we break down the metaphor that’s changing the way families think about recruiting — and explain what it really takes to get seen, get signed, and get what you actually want out of this process.
We talk about:
- Why random exposure isn’t a strategy
- The most important (but overlooked) part of your “setup”
- How to figure out what kind of school is the right fit
- What separates players who lead the process from the ones who get lost in it
If you're tired of guessing and ready to lead, this one's for you.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
What do former Division 1 players really want younger athletes to know?
In this episode, we’re passing the mic to the ones who’ve lived it — the workouts, the visits, the pressure, and the growth that comes with being a college athlete.
They share what they wish they knew during the recruiting process, including:
– What to actually pay attention to on visits
– The importance of choosing the school for the school
– Why failure isn’t the enemy — it’s the teacher
– How to lead your process without losing yourself
– The mindset that helped them thrive beyond softball
This episode is packed with real advice, big perspective shifts, and the kind of honesty your daughter needs to hear — whether she’s just starting out or deep in the recruiting journey.
Listen now. Then send it to your favorite softball player. This one’s for her.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
We didn’t start this podcast to talk about recruiting.
We started it to talk about the real work — the leadership, mindset, and self-trust it takes to show up when the pressure’s on.
But recruiting kept coming up.
And we realized…
It’s not a separate conversation.
It’s the same conversation.
Because what gets you recruited?
Isn’t exposure.
It’s identity.
In this episode, we’re sharing:
– Why we added a recruiting angle to our work
– What families miss when they chase visibility instead of readiness
– Alicia’s stories of athletes who earned DI scholarships through leadership
– Mel’s personal journey with the mental game that changed everything
This isn’t about collecting offers.
It’s about becoming the kind of player, leader, and human who’s ready when the offer comes.
🎧 Listen now.
Then share it with the softball parent who’s ready to lead with more than just a schedule of camps.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
Most parents think they’re helping.
But too often, they’re creating pressure, confusion, and chaos — and it’s costing their daughter opportunities.
In this real-talk episode, Mel (current college coach) breaks down what’s really going through a coach’s mind when they watch players... and their parents.
👉 What sideline behavior sends red flags
👉 The choices that actually support your daughter’s game
👉 How to become an asset in the process — not a reason coaches walk away
If your daughter has big college dreams, this episode is a must-listen.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
They crush it in practice.
Light it up at local events.
But the moment a college coach pulls up to watch?
It’s like they forget how to compete completely.
In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly why that happens — and what to do about it.
You’ll learn:
– The real reason athletes “choke” when it matters
– What not to say in those moments
– How parents can reduce pressure instead of add to it
– Our #1 tool to help players recover in real time
Because this isn’t about being mentally weak.
It’s about not having the tools — yet.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
The recruiting world can feel like total chaos — and too often, parents are left guessing:
Are we doing enough? Are we doing it right?
In this episode, we cut through the noise and get real about what actually moves the needle.
You’ll hear:
✅ The most common traps families fall into (and how to avoid them)
✅ What confident, coachable athletes actually do differently
✅ How parents can model leadership — even when they feel unsure themselves
✅ Why clarity, composure, and presence matter more than a perfect profile
This isn’t just theory. It’s strategy from the people who’ve helped hundreds of athletes get recruited — and thrive once they do.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
If you're a softball parent, coach or athlete navigating the college recruiting process, you're in the right place.
Welcome to Signed & Ready — the podcast where we coach the mental game of recruiting so athletes can lead themselves, play with confidence, and finally get seen for what they’re really capable of.
In this trailer episode, host Alicia Smith (head coach, recruiting mentor, and mental performance coach) shares the why behind the podcast, the real edge college coaches are looking for, and how to break free from the pressure, panic, and chaos of the traditional recruiting grind.
🎯 What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why the mental game matters more than ever
- What it means to find your athlete’s “mental sweet spot”
- How to help your daughter show up calm, confident, and college-ready
- What to expect from future episodes (Q&As, coaching insights, real stories)
Whether you're chasing a scholarship or just want your daughter to play with pride, presence, and purpose — Signed & Ready will guide you every step of the way.
👉 Subscribe now and start building the mindset that gets her signed — and makes her unstoppable.
Learn more at https://www.mentalsweetspot.com
Keywords: softball recruiting, college softball, mental performance, athlete mindset, mental game, sports parenting, softball scholarships, college recruiting tips, recruiting podcast, softball coach
Thousands of softball players spend time, money, and energy trying to get seen — but exposure alone doesn’t get offers. In this episode, we break down why the “spray-and-pray” approach to recruiting is leaving talented athletes stressed, stuck, and overlooked.
You’ll learn:
- Why being seen ≠ getting signed
- What coaches are actually looking for (beyond your stat line)
- The shift that reduces pressure and puts players back in control
Whether you're early in the process or already talking to coaches, this episode gives you the mindset advantage that makes recruiters pay attention.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
Here’s the truth: coaches don’t recruit highlight reels — they recruit how she carries herself when things get hard.
In this episode of Signed & Ready, Coach Mel Rushing and Coach Alicia Smith break down the invisible side of recruiting — the part stats can’t show and exposure can’t guarantee.
Because what really gets a player noticed isn’t just talent.
It’s presence.
It’s leadership.
It’s the ability to stay composed, confident, and coachable under pressure.
Whether your athlete is just starting to email coaches or already attending camps, this episode will help her understand what college recruiters are really evaluating every time she steps on the field.
You’ll Learn
- What “presence” actually means (and how coaches define it).
- The body language habits that make or break first impressions.
- How to stand out in camps and tournaments — even when she’s not the loudest or flashiest.
- Why leadership is the deciding factor between being seen and being signed.
Key Takeaway
“Highlight reels get you noticed, but we recruit resilience & grit.”
Coaches recruit players they trust to compete, lead, and elevate the team — and that starts with how she shows up when it matters most.
Listen If Your Athlete...
💥 Feels pressure to be perfect in front of coaches
💥 Struggles to bounce back after mistakes
💥 Wants to stand out but isn’t sure how
💥 Is tired of being overlooked despite her talent
Next Step: Give Her the Edge Coaches Actually Recruit
If your player has the talent but isn’t getting traction in recruiting, it’s not because they're not good enough — it’s because she’s missing the mental edge.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
Everyone talks about exposure. But if that were the secret, every player with a highlight reel would be signing letters of intent.
In Part 3 of our Exposure to Offers series, we reveal the real game-changer: self-leadership.
Because coaches aren’t just watching your stats — they’re watching how you carry yourself.
In this episode, we break down:
What self-leadership actually looks like in athletes
How it impacts offers (even without direct feedback from coaches)
The small, incremental actions that make you unforgettable
If you want to stand out — not just get seen — this is the episode to lock in.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
Wondering what you can do to help her in this recruiting journey?
Worried you won't have the answers?
Stressed about her finding the right fit?
We've got you.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame
Imagine being able to screen your girls before practice to get a true idea of what you're going to get out of them that day?
Instead of HOPING you notice the signs. Hoping you don't miss one player among 12-30 players. All so you can get the most out of your limited time with them.
And what if that process only took a couple minutes using their phones? Oh and THEN what if each player was immediately given a suggested exercise to boost their mental & emotional state for THIS practice.
That's what Rewire does! Listen in to hear how their app is revolutionizing how we manage our emotional & mental stress :)
Learn more at https://rewirefitness.app/
Ever look at your team mid-practice (or mid GAME) and think... Are they ALIVE?
There are so many things that drain their energy, then before you know it the energy is gone and you might as well call it a day. And if we're honest, we have those days too! Today's guest not only speaks to this topic - he EXUDES energy and positivity!
No joke - he had me standing up in Superwoman pose. You ready to get some fantastic nuggets from a world class athlete, dad, and motivational speaker? Listen in!
David Lindsay's site
Mental Sweet Spot Resources
In today's episode, we chat with Bootcamp OG Candace Fenton-Brockbader! You're going to find so many moments in this episode you can relate to. She is a GEM!
Coaching is hard. You know what I mean. Not the on-field stuff.
It's the attitudes... The lack of competitiveness... The people talking smack about how you're doing things. It can be draining.
Honestly, that kind of stuff can make you want to quit. Alicia and I have certainly both considered it. Many times.
But what keeps us coming back? What keeps us grounded, confident that we're on the right path, and unshakable despite other people's opinions?
Hands down, it's Culture.
This is what we want for you and why we're hosting the Softball Coaches Culture Bootcamp. Tickets are available by the time you're hearing this and we kick off Monday, August 7th. And BONUS - Lonni Alameda will be joining us for a Q&A too! Head to mentalsweetspot.com/bootcamp to learn more. Now onto the episode!
It is my most sincere wish for EVERY softball coach to feel the way Alicia and I do when we reflect on our careers this far.
If we could reach every coach who truly cared about their girls and wanted to help them grow as PEOPLE... And we could give them the confidence and clarity we have now...
We could positively impact MILLIONS of girls.
That's why I want you Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp. To learn more, head to mentalsweetspot.com/bootcamp
Culture can be complicated.
You have to get 12-20+ players on the same page, understanding what it takes to achieve the goals they want. As vital as any coach like you knows culture is... it can be difficult to maintain a positive one with so many culture killers out there.
But maintaining a strong, supportive culture is honestly THE most important thing we can do for our teams. Today we discuss the top 3 culture killers we've come across through the years, so you can get ahead of them this season!
And if you wish you had a better way to keep your culture on track, join the waitlist for Culture Bootcamp! Doors open NEXT Monday, July 24th.
Join the waitlist or tune in to the end of the episode to hear who our DI, National-Championship-winning, and even more amazing human special guest will be!
Once you've identified the top culture killers that I KNOW you've experienced yourself, you might be wondering how you can prevent them!
Full disclaimer: you can't prevent culture killers from showing up, but there IS a way to identify them early and get back on track faster!
With your very own, customized and ACTIONABLE Dream Team Blueprint!
In the Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp, we'll walk you through creating your own blueprint so you can get your entire team (and the parents) to buy in to what you're doing, be more committed, care more, give better effort and have more fun while they're doing the things to make them their best!
We kick off August 7th and the GRAND finale will be with the one and only Lonni Alameda on August 14th! It's going to be a blast and could honestly skyrocket the trajectory of your impact on your girls! www.mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist!
We coaches are contantly looking forward. What's next. Where is there room to improve. What can we do better as a coach? But sometimes the answers are already there for us - if we just take a peek into our recent past.
With Alicia on a trip with her daughter's soccer team this week, I was struggling with what to air on the podcast. We've got bootcamp coming up quickly, we have so many lessons we still want to share, but I want to have Alicia here to discuss them... And then it hit me. We already have AMAZING content that I'm certain you could benefit from.
So in honor of Bootcamp (doors open July 24!) I'm going to refer you to our past bootcamp special guests to hear how some of the ALL STARS of softball coaching develop their team culture!
Simply head to the podcast notes & you'll see the links for our episodes with Florida State's Lonni Alameda, Michigan's Hutch & Bonnie Tholl, Patrick Murphy from Alabama, Sue Enquist formerly of UCLA and Mike Candrea - recently retired from the University of Arizona.
Then if you're as inspired as we were, we hope you consider joining this round's bootcamp where we'll help you BUILD that kind of culture! Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist and join to be notified when tickets go on sale!
I know you're excited now, so check those out!
- Florida State's Lonni Alameda
- Michigan's Hutch & Bonnie Tholl
- Alabama's Patrick Murphy
- UCLA's Sue Enquist
- Arizona's Mike Candrea
As much as we as coaches want to control the situation and do everything in our power to help our girls succeed... T
here are some times when we have to realize - it's not about us.
Sometimes we have to let go a bit in order to let the TEAM take the reins. And if you've done your job leading up to that point, it's most likely going to turn out even better than you could have imagined.
That's what Alicia is talking about today and what YOU can experience once you have your Culture Blueprint in place (more info on that at the end!)
For now, let's hear how Mattawan's season ended up!
Now if you're thinking... I don't know if I'd be able to push through a challenge like that, you're NOT alone. Those low moments can be TOUGH.
And there are honestly times when we don't come out of them like Alicia's team did. I know I've had those seasons (yes multiple) where you try and try all season long and NOTHING clicks.
It doesn't have to be that much of a struggle.
What if I told you there was a proven, SIMPLE process in which to put that trust we talk about so often? One that your players not only buy into... one they help CREATE.
That's what we create in the Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp!
Kicking off Monday, August 7th, we will spend 3 evenings creating your own unique, actionable Dream Team Blueprint. So your girls can stay motivated, focused and accountable to the things that will help them reach their goals!
Doors open July 24th, but you can join the waitlist now at https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist!
Have you ever felt at a loss? Scratching your head... maybe even pulling-your-hair-out level... No clue what to do to get them to CARE?
You're certainly not alone. Every coach has been in this spot where you can't seem to figure out what to do to fix what's going on.
We have a remedy for getting stuck here (ahem - bootcamp!) that I'll share at the end of the episode.
But for now, Join in to hear how even this champion, Hall of Fame coach OCCASIONALLY goes through the same thing.
We have one more episode to wrap up Mattawan's season after this. And spoiler alert: CULTURE wins in the end. So if you want to start building the kind of culture that can survive THIS kind of challenge, you're in luck!
The Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp is back!
For those who don't know, Bootcamp is a 3-part virtual experience where we guide you through creating your Dream Team Blueprint.
Think of it as your guiding compass to an AMAZING culture.
For those who DO know, it's getting even better this round! Not only will we have another amazing special guest... but you will also get Alicia as my co-coach to help guide you through your blueprints!
Doors open July 24th... we kick off August 7th... and to get the join link directly to your inbox, head to mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist to be notified first!
We've said it before and we'll say it again: just telling them this game is a game of failure DOESN'T make them stop obsessing on their fails.
I know you've experienced this! So what is the magic answer?
Of course there isn't only one way... but Alicia shares a few great strategies and activities to start training a more positive mindset!
Curious where your team stands with mindset? Check out our team assessment to get a quick look at how your team rates on the Cs. Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/assessment to do so!
Coaching is NOT easy. You of all people know that.
There are ups and downs - in both on-field performance AND the emotions - that are easy to get wrapped up in.
The best seasons are ones where we as coaches can stay out of that trap and use every lesson to build TRUE belief. That's what we talk about today as I wrap up my second season with LaGrange College softball.
True pride (and true BELIEF) don't come from winning alone. They come from the lessons learned and the work put in for something bigger than yourself.
The real test is how often you can be the best version of you for those around you.
What that looks like is different for each team (stay tuned for our next Culture Bootcamp which will be ALL about this.) But it can start with the Cs.
How committed are you? Are you the healthy kind of competitive? How unshakable IS your confidence?
You can find out and start focusing on your team's mental game today! Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/assessment to get started.
I think we all can agree - it's MUCH easier to see what's going wrong than it is to notice what's going right. Honestly- that's our job as coaches!
But we also know how distracting and harmful it can be to performance when we're focusing only on the mistakes.
In today's episode, we talk about how we talk about LESSONS and use a daily routine to keep growing and moving forward - even through some ugly losses.
Imagine if you could legitimately get your team to grow (even just a little bit) EVERY time they stepped on the field or grabbed their glove.
How much further could they go? How much closer to their potential could they get?
Then make it a part of the routine! Every win, every success, every FAIL is an opportunity to LEARN a lesson. Make it count!
If you want to start talking about lessons learned with your team, START today! Ask them what lessons they've learned recently and see what they're seeing.
If you want to take it a step further, you can begin talking about lessons around their MENTAL game with the 7Cs.
Our assessment will give you the language to talk about the lessons they're learning while building a better mindset too.
To get started today, head to mss.com/assessment!
We've all experienced those games when the team we KNOW they're capable of just didn't show up.
The energy was off.
They were more quiet than usual... maybe tired? Maybe upset about their performance... Just off.
But we can't just chock it up to an off day. So what can we do about it?
That's what we discuss in today's episode!
There's no doubt about it: Culture is the key to a great season. Even if performance isn't quite there, a strong culture makes it worthwhile.
Put the two together? You've helped create an unforgettable few months in your athletes' lives. It can feel like a daunting task sometimes though.
There are a LOT of culture killers out there and we coaches already have so much on our plates.
Today's guest gives us an amazing tool to be able to stay focused on the main thing. Ready to learn about the culture system? Let's do this!
If you're listening to this episode, you've likely listened to Alicia's past seasons and learned the same thing I have: strong relationships are the secret weapon. We've all had that moment where we realized we missed a KEY piece of information about a player that would have changed the course of their game, season or even career. And most of the time we miss that information because we're stuck in the weeds. And that's normal! We have a LOT to do as coaches. If we want to be our best for our teams, at least. But there is a way to do both, that I'm starting to sort out thanks to mentors like Alicia. Ready to get some ideas for doing so? Let's do this!
The ultimate goal for coaches like us... The coaches who care most about developing the person THROUGH the sport of softball... Is getting our girls to truly BELIEVE they're capable. That they're capable of of improvement. They're capable of executing what they've practiced. They're capable of bringing their best consistently. But you know as well as I do... this is also the toughest thing to coach sometimes. Today I share a couple more weeks of LaGrange college softball and how we're baking these lessons into mental training AND the practice plan. Oh and how it's starting to work ;)
It's that time of year for spring softball!
Since us covering Alicia's season has gotten so much great feedback, we've decided to follow my team this year as well!
For those who don't know, I'm in year two at LaGrange College. We're a small liberal arts school in Georgia. We're a part of NCAA DIII and the brand new Collegiate Conference of the South.
I took over a program with a lot of potential and even more heart. Last season was all about solidifying our culture and who we want to be moving forward.
Now these young women have big goals and are busting their butts to achieve them. We hope you enjoy this journey with us!
(And if you're wondering, we WILL be covering Alicia's season too!)
Have you even wondered why your girls are so hard on themselves? Why can't they let things go, even when you're doing everything to convince them they're fine? You don't yell... You tell them you believe in them... Most times nobody else is nearly as upset with the failure as they are. So what's going on?? That's what today's guest will be discussing. What's really going on in those heads of theirs (and maybe ours too!) and what we can do to keep them out of the funk. I know you're chomping at the bit now, so let's jump in!
Most coaches WANT to develop strong young women, but not all of them actually know HOW to build those people skills into their training plans.
Today's guest does so with everything from challenge drills to leadership council to "softball school." You're definitely going to take some great ideas away from this episode!
Listen in on your favorite podcast app or at mentalsweetspot.captivate.fm/
We get into coaching because we want to help. But you don't get to stay there unless athletes CHOOSE to play for you year in and year out.
There will of course be some turnover for various reasons, but on the whole... How many of your girls would choose you again if given the chance?
There are a lot of factors that go into it, but if you can create a culture where the player feel ACCEPTED instead of judged? They'll keep choosing to play for you!
This is why we do what we do at Mental Sweet Spot and why we love guests like today who can share their experience on the subject at the highest level!
Want to hear how this rockstar keeps her standards high AND meets her girls where they are? Listen in on your favorite podcast app now!
We're in the middle of an amazing era of sport where performers are starting to tap into the power of their minds and COACHES get to be a part of that process!
And that can sometimes be overwhelming - there are a million topics we could cover. Where do we start & how do we implement it? Today's guest is a game-changer and she's about to share some tips to make mental training PROactive and makes the most impact regardless of how much time you have.
She's so great, we hired her as our business & mindset coach right after this call! lol Ready to jump in? Let's do this!
I don't brag often, but I think we're going to win BEST GIFT this season.
Because today we're joined by one of the most influential coaches in our game - and one of the best humans we've been so fortunate to meet.
Coach Candrea is about to share some absolute GOLDEN nuggets of advice that WILL make you a better coach. Someone who gets more out of their players... Makes and impact beyond the field... AND appreciates how special this job is.
So WHEN this episode leaves you feeling inspired and excited to level up as a coach... you'll want to listen all the way through to learn about an opportunity to join our Academy in January.
You ready now? Let's go!
We're definitely coaching a different breed of athlete these days - but that shouldn't come as a surprise.
Every generation has their own version of the "kids these days" gripe - it's simply evolution!
And that means we need to evolve as coaches too.
Actually, let me clarify - we GET to evolve.
The even better news? There are strategies you can implement TODAY to help them!
That's what today's guest is going to share!
P.S. You can follow Lauren on Instagram @performance_reimagined_
Most of our girls could use an extra dose of confidence. Some seem do be on empty. Which means we as coaches have the amazing opportunity to build them up.
And who better to get tips on that a mental game consultant who's primary focus is confidence! Ready for some knowledge bombs? Let's go!
You don't know what you don't know. Which is why coaches who reach the elite levels KEEP seeking out opportunities to learn & grow.
And that's how we got to meet today's guest! He has already developed strong programs & sent girls off to play at their dream schools. He was clearly successful before meeting us. And yet... because he's elite... he kept learning & has seen some impressive growth with his girls. Listen in now to hear how this great coach got even better.
It's not magic. But it sure does feel like it when everything clicks and your girls play FEARLESSLY.
If you've followed this podcast for a while, you know alicia has a knack for getting her girls to compete hard and not give up.
AND. Her girls still clench up when the pressure is on. They're human!
So wanna hear how the Mattawan girls dealt with post-season pressure? Listen in now!
You know the line (and if you don't, you're on the bench until you watch A League of Their Own!). But as funny as that scene was, we do NOT live in that world anymore. Not only IS there crying in softball - there's a lot of it. And not just the sensitive athletes or the "mentally weak" ones. Even the toughest, most talented athletes tear up nowadays. Listen in to today's episode for a couple of reasons why. And why it's actually a gift to us as coaches.
Every coach goes into a season with a vision of what they want this team to do this year. Now imagine if your girls could buy into that vision immediately AND perform hot out of the gate? Sound like a long shot? Not for this culture veteran! In today's episode, Alicia shares the first part of her high school season: what they worked on, how they performed, and some crucial insights from her 20+ years of experience. You're gonna want to listen to all three parts of this one... let's do it!
Have you ever had every intention of pushing something off for just a little bit... and then a million things happened and before long it seems like FOREVER has passed?
Of course you have... You're a coach!
Well... All we can say is thank you for your patience in this almost year hiatus.
We were ALWAYS planning on getting back on the mic, but y'know... life. AND! If you don't follow us on social, the big reason for the brake is I'm back in coaching!
You'll be listening to the new Head Softball Coach and associate AD at LaGrange College. It's seriously a dream gig for me. My boss is amazing, the entire department and school are so welcoming and supportive. Even the PRESIDENT of the college actually knows me AND my girls!
And then there's my girls. Wow am I grateful for my predecessor recruiting amazing humans. They shared what they wanted out of the season, they put in the work... many went above and beyond (ahem my haven't-pitched-since-high-school pitchers who stepped up!)...
Even though we did not get the outcomes we wanted, it truly was a great season with even greater people.
I have to be honest here. It might not have been so great for me had I not had Mental Sweet Spot, Alicia and our Sweet Spotters the past 4 years. I have learned SO much and GROWN tremendously.
And that's what I want to share with you today! Listen in as I share the 5 lessons I learned from my favorite (and least successful) season.
Enjoy!
Mel
Have you ever watched the World Series (college softball of course) and thought, “That player is super-human” Like there’s no way the rest of us or my girls could ever do that. We put players like today’s guest on a pedestal for good reason, because they are amazing competitors! But really? They got there with a specific skill set. Certain tools in their toolbox that allowed them to bounce back faster, stay confident and perform consistently even against the toughest opponents. That skill set is the mental game. I know you know that since you’re listening to this podcast! But do you know what it actually looks like? When you pull back the curtain and see the day to day commitment… the tough times pushing through adversity and that voice in your head telling you you can’t? Today’s guest is going to tell you how she has overcome adversity and worked her mental game to help her become one of the elite pitchers of our time And if you like what she has to say… you’re going to want to check out our upcoming Next Level Bootcamp! This virtual, 5-day team workshop will give your players the foundation they need to become the confident, mentally tough player you know they can be! To learn more, head to http://mss.com/teambootcamp (mss.com/teambootcamp). Now, let’s get to the show!
Was this the last weekend Alicia had with her team? Or did they pull it out and make it to the next round of playoffs??? Listen in to today's episode to find out!
But wait, there's more! Listen in for some tips on connecting with your athletes & one of the most popular drills Alicia has shared to date!
It's been a hot minute, but we're back & have a treat in store for you! Listen in to today's episode (and then two more!) as we get caught up on how Alicia's team has been doing over the past several weeks. It's a roller-coaster, Coach. Buckle up!
In honor of our fast-approaching Difference-Makers Bootcamp, we wanted to re-share this GEM of an episode with Sue Enquist. Listen in, get inspired, then come learn more from this rockstar in Bootcamp! We kick off this Sunday, April 18th and go all week! Learn more at mentalsweetspot.com/coachbootcamp Oh, and it's not just for softball coaches anymore, so tell your other sport coach friends to come join us!
Are you a passionate softball coach who believes in developing the whole person? Do you like making a difference? Then what are you up to next week?! Today's bonus episode is an audio version of our sales page all about the Difference-Maker's Bootcamp (which is quickly approaching & kicks off April 18th!) Think you might wanna join me, other passionate coaches & Sue Enquist for a completely unique coaching clinic EXPERIENCE? Listen in, then head to mentalsweetspot.com/coachbootcamp!
Alicia's been at this for a while, so you'd think she's experienced it all by now. Not the case! This season brings new challenges: Covid protocols and the need for flexibility An almost brand new team Young leadership with little experience in the well-known culture Listen in to hear how Alicia is tackling a season that will certainly provide a challenge, but one she's ready for!
When coaches contact us to ask about consulting for their team, the first question is always, "What does that look like?" So we're pulling back the curtain on what Alicia does with the teams she works with! Even if you can't bring someone like Alicia in yet, we share some nuggets she's learned along the way to help make mental training more impactful!
If I could wave a magic wand and you had ALLLL the time and money you could ever want to use with your team... What would that feel like? Amazing? Freeing? Like your options were limitless? What if I told you you could get these ⬆️ things without adding one minute to the day or a dime to your budget? 🤨 [<- your face right now] No, really! There's a way! Listen in to today's episode for practical tips for being more efficient and getting a better ROI!
Coaching is exhausting - usually in all the best ways! But we all know there are energy sucks out there that end up affecting our performance. So, is there anything we can do about it? Or do we just have to suck it up and grind it out? Listen in to hear our take on it!
If you're our people (and you are!), you're not in this gig for the glory. But the Hall of Fame is a symbol of the impact a coach has made in our sport - and we all want that! To make a difference in the lives of the girls we work with & eventually leave the softball world a little better than we found it. So why not be LIKE a Hall-of-Fame-Level coach now?! Listen in to find out how!
Now you know how to deal with negative thoughts from yesterday's episode. Today, we're flipping to the positive side! And who better to lead the conversation than Jon Gordon?! If you've ever asked us for a book recommendation, his books ALWAYS make the list. And for good reason! Listen in today as Jon shares his wisdom and advice for being a positive coach who ALSO gets the best out of their athletes!
First everyone said to be positive. Now they're saying "toxic positivity" is a thing. Both are right. Maybe we're biased here, but it seems to keep getting proven over and over again...
There's a sweet spot for everything! So what should we do about those pesky negative thoughts? Without getting to fluffy or woo-woo? In today's episode, we share an ancient story with some great advice!
Raise your hand if you know what a "mental error" is. If you didn't raise your hand (at least in your head) - you are a coaching unicorn! lol It happens all too often. It's when a player makes a mistake that under normal circumstances she absolutely wouldn't. (Like chucking the ball over the first baseman's head) That's what sparked today's convo as we talk about the real issue: lack of focus! mentalsweetspot.com/softball-podcast
We're making progress on ending the stigma around mental health, but we've got to keep going! Part of that process is realizing the brain needs training too! That's what we discuss on today's episode with Locked In Mental Performance's Derek Mayson!
Everyone knows the phrase "softball is 90% mental" ... and those same coaches also sheepishly admit they don't actually COACH the mental game that much. But we want to and we're getting closer! Listen in to today's guests as they share our favorite thing - actionable ways to develop our girls' mental game. P.S. They PERFECTLY (unintentionally) made a case for our Fail Forward Practice Bundle. After this episode, you'll definitely want to snag it for yourself so you can start building resilience like they do! (mentalsweetspot.com/failforward)
As coaches, we have the honor of being role models. But it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Though we didn't start the interview with the goal of talking about being a role model, that's where the conversation turned and you'll see why! From travel ball to the Olympics, professional to parent... We discuss all the ways she's been (and continues to be) an impressive leader for our young women to look up to.
The mental game train is picking up speed these days, but there are still questions about how EXACTLY this part of the game can help our teams. That's why we asked today's guest to join us to share some expected outcomes like improved team cohesion and even some BIG personal benefits they didn't expect going into this!
NO coach goes into a season hoping for drama, stress & disappointing performances. But they happen, right?! Pretty much like clockwork, honestly - no coach or team is immune. So how to certain teams seem to rise above it? More specifically, how do the coaches of those teams LEAD their girls through the hard stuff, SHOWING them how to trust the process? That's part of what we discuss in today's case study with Coach Bootcamp alumnus, Aryn Henneke!
Coach development has come a long way. For most of us, we've had to figure it out as we go along. And to be fair- we've done a pretty good job! But coaches don't settle for "pretty good" so we've brought in someone who's leading the way in Coach education to discuss what we have to look forward to!
Every athlete & coach KNOWS what this means to them. But every once in a while, the love gets lost. Join us today as we share stories of losing that inner drive... and how to get it back for GOOD!
We tell our girls all the time that they have to work hard to achieve their dreams. Today's guest PROVES that to be true! Along with the mental game of course ;) Today we have Olympian, National Champion & ESPN Analyst Danielle Lawrie to share her journey and some insight into what it takes to get to her level.
Coaching isn't for everyone, but for those of use who "get it," it's truly a calling. We have the opportunity to affect our athletes' lives in a positive way, and that is a gift. AND... Each of us approach it differently! In today's episode with my (Mel's) good friend, Jeanne Hess, we talk about growing as coaches, enjoying the journey and getting clear on who we are.
Have you been looking for ideas to help your team come together and work as a unit? Today's guest has some excellent ideas and tips for doing so! He also shares pointers from one of the most iconic programs in sports history: the Yankees! So if you want to learn what it takes to build a team of leaders who play for each other, listen in!
Whether you're a first-time coach or 20-year veteran, work at 10u or DI, if you want to make a difference by developing strong young women, you're a Sweet-Spotter!
Technology isn't what sets the top teams apart. It's how they USE it. I'm sure by now you've noticed the trend around using technology in our sport. You can measure speed, spin rate, power... almost everything! But the technology itself isn't what helps your players. What helps them get motivated, build confidence and make improvements... is how YOU use that data! Listen in today to learn more about one of our FAVORITE technologies: The Smart Coach radar by Pocket Radar! We love it because it's accurate, gives you data PLUS video together, and it keeps things SIMPLE. That way, you can focus on what matters most: coaching!
Want to WIN A SMART COACH radar? If you enjoyed this episode and want to help us reach more Sweet Spotters like you, we are running a giveaway! Between now (Monday, October 19th) and next Monday, October 26th at midnight EST, you have a chance to win your very own Smart Coach Radar! All you have to do is follow 3 simple steps: Head to Facebook & like today's post Leave a comment with your takeaway from the episode Share it with a friend you think would enjoy the show too! If you want to learn more about the radar and how you can use it, check out mentalsweetspot.com/pocketradar
When you Build Up Her Self-Confidence, you help her have https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/morewinsmorefun?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWVAq0VFbtCbGgelJfp-0M0ZmU1IumMm2E2-E5PL-nVwsUTNPUc4cpV-vcdPjzRNJ0PLESqozAQjjAEKRfelZhLCWBqE-bn-I8x8ZvI6NVKYcAfQEVe8Op-gsVLsK4pffPq_smlMVTqbMo_92ZUQlwKOu5TobVJjHDzE-thSgY31pmuBGg6DIjxrkFnvONXrvg&__tn__=*NK-R (#morewinsmorefun)
Self-confidence can be fragile, and it's heartbreaking to watch our girls struggle. In this episode we talk about one of the biggest confidence killers: comparison.
Keeping our girls motivated to put the work in is not an easy task. They get tired, bored, distracted, or worse: they're doing it for the wrong reasons. Today we talk about how to keep your players motivated using our new format! How to Win More Games & Have More Fun Focus on the process Show them you care about their growth, not the outcome Ask their input so they take ownership of their journey Next Level Advice for Players: The journey can seem long, but trust the process and the outcome will take care of itself Difference-Maker Tip for Coaches: Have empathy for this generation whose minds work a little differently than ours and you'll be able to keep them motivated Real Life Listener Question: How do you stay proactive with your communication vs reactive?
When you hang up the clipboard and someone asks you what you're most proud of, it most likely won't be the wins. I'll be the impact you had on your girls. Helping a player come out of her shell Getting another to see the importance of a team Seeing them grow into strong, confident young women That's the dream for us Sweet Spotters, right? That's exactly what Alicia discusses with some of her former players in today's special 100th episode!
We've got another awesome episode lined up for you today! We're talking to a private instructor this time and the specific, actionable ways she trains her athletes to help them overcome the dreaded fear of failure. So many girls deal with this and just as many coaches struggle to figure out how to get them over this hurdle! That's where we come in! Tiffany Deering shares her story of getting over her fear at the University of Michigan and how she uses that now to train fearless competitors... not robots!
Many coaches we talk to want quick, actionable things they can do with their girls to build their mental game. Bonus if they can be worked right into the practice plan or games. That's exactly what today's guest shares!
What will it take to get your girls to COMPETE? Jake Thompson of Compete Every Day has an idea!
First of all, thank you for your patience with this episode release. Been all-consumed by our Bootcamp, but now I'm back! And man do I have a great guest for you today :) We often hear from coaches how frustrating it can be that this generation just doesn't seem to COMPETE. But is it really just the way they are? Or is it something that can be trained? That's what we discuss in today's episode! Hint: It CAN be trained!
You're probably noticing a trend in coaching... Coaching the PERSON before the PLAYER It might be a little intimidating at first. Your reaction may even be like mine was: "I just wanna coach softball!" But then when you step back and realize why you're doing this... To help develop strong young women on & off the field To teach them life lessons through softball To make a difference Then you realize you're already on the right track! So listen in to today's guest, Alabama's Coach Patrick Murphy, as he shares some practical ideas for teaching those people skills!
Tips from one of softball's GOATs: Natasha Watley! Your players may not know today's guest as well as I do because she played before the softball on TV boom... But they SHOULD! She's the type of person you want your athletes to emulate. She's Hard-working and committed to getting her job done - even when it's hard! Great at staying focused on the present and the task at hand Confident in her ability to achieve any goal she sets because she knows she'll work for it! So this would be a great episode to share with them :)
In this episode, we share an overview of Alicia's Team Bootcamp! Sweet Spotters have big aspirations for their teams. They usually revolve around working on 3 main things: Getting (and keeping) our girls motivated Holding them accountable for the work it takes Building their confidence in their ability to execute This is where the momentum seems to slow for most people. We have great intentions and ideas. Plus we sure as heck put in the time reading, learning and growing as coaches to help our girls develop these skills. What if you could not only give your entire team a running head start but also keep that momentum going all year? A head start in ownership, empowerment and confidence. Think that could help you build a stronger team that stays strong all season? Allow us to show you how!
One superpower I think we have in the sports world is the ability to bring a diverse group of individuals together for a common purpose. That skill is why I'm proud to be a part of the softball community. We are one of the most inclusive groups I've ever seen, and I hope to continue that trend. Because if we don't, we could miss out on amazing softball minds like today's guest! Listen in as she shares her perspective on diversity and unifying a team toward a common goal: being a top 25 team!
Regardless of who's in the other dugout
I'm willing to bet you've been here before... You have a strong team that's experienced success before, but now... They're falling short of expectations Nobody is really sure what the issue is, and You're starting to wonder if you can get out of the rut Fortunately - we all know that last one is just frustration. Of COURSE we can get out of the rut! It just takes some reflection, planning and a fire inside to succeed. That's exactly what today's guest, Eric Oakley of Kent State, is focusing on with his team this upcoming season. And the best part is... They can even work on this during COVID :) Enjoy! - Mel & Alicia
Do you have that player (or players) who Is super hard on herself Doesn't handle failure well Feels really bad when she makes mistakes I'm pretty sure we all have! That's exactly what Paige Tonz helps players overcome in her programs for female athletes :)
In this episode, two of our former bootcampers share what they got out of our 5-day bootcamp and how they're now using their Dream Team Blueprint. Want to create your own blueprint for your dream team culture in this coaches clinic meets coaching mastermind? Head to our site to join our next bootcamp!
Wish your girls would understand how IMPORTANT the mental game is? We've come up with a simple process to do so! If you're a regular listener to this podcast, you know how important the mental game is. Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee that your players will get it right away too. Today, we're sharing our new process for getting your girls to see first-hand how impactful a strong mind can be. FYI This program - the Flip Your Script Challenge - is only available if you go through our first two Coach levels first: 1) The Culture Bootcamp & 2) The Practice Plan Accelerator. Learn more on the site!
Do you ever feel like the coaches who've made it to the highest level are in a league of their own? You're not really wrong. The best of the best have worked their butt off to get there and they've put a lot of hard lessons to good use to stay there. But they're not so different from the rest of us! Take Hutch & Bonnie Tholl of Michigan... Are they softball rockstars? Absolutely. Are they coaches who care first and foremost about developing strong young women... just like us? Yep! So listen in today and try to imagine how you can do these things with your girls too! Then if you want to put those ideas into action, join the next round of the Softball Coach's Culture Bootcamp! Just head to the site to learn more! Enjoy the show!
Your culture won't work If you're not being true to yourself Most of us want to be authentic, but it's not always that easy, right? » Second-guessing if we're doing all we can for our girls » Constantly looking for ways to improve, sometimes forgetting the strengths we already have » Falling back on trying to be like the coaches we had or look up to It's all well-meaning, but it's not going to get us where we want to go. When all is said and done at the end of the season, the best thing you can do for your girls is be honest and be you!
Have you ever wondered how some teams just seem more bought in? That magical team that seems to play for each other and put the team first? Well today's guest shares some practical tips on HOW to cultivate that type of culture! From star pitcher and national runner-up at Michigan to full-time pitching coach, Sara Driesenga is about to bring you a great episode in developing ownership within your players!
Mental training can feel like a big topic - there's so much to cover! From confidence to competitiveness, courage to composure... It can quickly become overwhelming trying to figure out what to cover first. If you've ever felt lost on where to start, today's guest shares some GREAT ideas that are simple, usable with any age, and wildly impactful!
Team cohesion is one of the things every team needs, but it's not so easy to come by. Maybe you can take a page out of one of our former guests' books and bring in a ringer! Today's guest is the school counselor at Waskom High School. Sound familiar? It's where former guest Iyhia MacMichael works! This is a great example of making use of the resources you have access to and getting creative in order to help your players. You're going to love this episode! P.S. If you have anything to do with recruiting, whether you're helping girls find their college homes or you're the college searching for players... You're going to want to listen for the free summit we have coming up!
In this episode we take a closer look at Coach Alameda and her Florida State team - one of the most successful and CONSISTENT programs in the nation. They have classroom time once a week, they focus on tracking "one more," they take advantage of opportunities the game presents. She even says, "[The mental game] is the next factor of being successful. If you live it and work on the skillsets mentally, it is the difference for you to have the edge. I 100% believe it's why we are where we are."
If there's one thing we know about kids these days...It's that they need to know you care about them! You've heard this before about this generation, right? They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care? Creating a team culture that feels like family isn't just about love and hugs though. It's about - Setting a high standard, - Holding them accountable, and then - Having their back if they need support That's just part of what we discuss on today's episode with Coach Megan Bartlett!
We make an impact regardless of the situation.Even during COVID! It was a ROUGH spring for coaches. We miss our girls, we're having to adjust to being off the field for the first time in forever, and all we want is to get back to what we love! » Watching our girls' hard work pay off on the field » Seeing the look on their face as they have that aha moment » Going home exhausted but happy after a long day at the field - because you know you made an impact. I know these feelings all too well, since taking a break from coaching nearly 3 years ago. It's not easy, but I promise you: You're still impactful. Because it's who you are.
In this episode we share more details on the actionable Culture Bootcamp Almost every coach who has joined our group has said they want to build a united culture but haven't focused on it as much as they'd like. They've simply been busy with a million other things. That is the main focus of our Coach Bootcamp - to create an easy-to-follow culture blueprint that you can implement all year long!
Today we share our process for building the team culture you've always wanted. In 7 simple but impactful steps, you can: » Revolutionize the way you develop the whole person in every practice » Have a purpose for each and every practice » Make an even bigger impact on your girls - even if we can't meet in person!
(This episode was released when everything was first shut down from COVID, but it applies to any time we're kept from the field) This has been a grief process as we deal with the loss of so many things we're used to doing and enjoying. Hopefully you're starting to come out of that low feeling, to the other side of loss, realizing - We have a unique opportunity to spend more time on intangibles - This is just another test we can help our players through - It's our chance to continue to make an impact, in a new way
(This episode was originally released when softball & the country was shut down by COVID, but it applies to any time we can't be on the field where we'd prefer to be!)
We have to prepare our girls for any challenge that comes our way. But now most of us our wondering... How could we have we prepared them for this? Much of what is happening now with battle against the spread of Coronavirus is unprecedented. Nobody saw this coming. And most of us weren't prepared for losing our seasons. Even if there's a chance of resuming, the feelings right now include - Feeling like you've lost a part of yourself - Frustration because it's out of your control - Stress and anxiety at the thought of "what do I do now?" These are all natural reactions to what is happening, and it's ok to not feel good about it. It's also completely within our power to flip the narrative and make the best out of a crappy situation. And the best news is... We've been teaching our girls how to reframe tough situations this whole time! That's what we discuss today as we all navigate this new territory.
This game should be fun, right? And what's more fun than performing our best and winning! Many coaches, players and teams struggle to balance having fun and being competitive. It sometimes seems like you can't have both, but today's episode shows that's not the case. You can have fun competing You can have fun stretching past your comfort zone You can have fun because you've put in the work it takes to succeed. All you have to do is teach your girls the mental skills it takes to keep the game fun! Despite pressure, mistakes, and even losing.
How can we help our players BE WHERE THEIR FEET ARE? Because we get so little time with them, we can't waste any! Admit it. You've complained about this before. "They're just not checked in." "I need them to focus now." "Those damn phones!" We ALL have! Because it's frustrating when we feel like we have so little time with them and it's being wasted. So what in the heck can we do about it, without having to constantly take away their phones and yell at them to pay attention? Today's guest has some great strategies for this!
Today we discuss how to improve player commitment. From daily distractions like weather and bugs to the sucky stuff like losing... a lot. Because let's face it. We're all guilty of losing that motivation mid-season! No matter how strong we start, there are going to be challenges that make us want to pull back. The trick is how to catch yourself in the moment, readjust, and get back at it. That's what we discuss today with University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire's head coach, Leslie Huntington!
Get players to buy in. That's one of our biggest goals, right? But it's trickier than it seems, because you can't force anyone to buy in to anything. They have to want it themselves. So how to do you get a team of 11-25+ young women to all buy in to one team goal? That's what we discuss today with the Oregon Ducks head coach Melyssa Lombardi! From team building to building relationships, today's episode has a lot of great nuggets for you to take back to your team!
Teaching lifelong learners is about showing them how to be fascinated instead of frustrated when things don't go their way. This is one of the key takeaways from this action-packed episode. Today's Hall of Fame guest is the University of St Thomas head coach John Tschida. If you have ever wished your players could make adjustments on their own and be their own best coach, you're going to want to take notes in this episode!
Training a team player has taken a back seat to showcasing the individual in today's recruiting culture. Fortunately, the new recruiting age change and travel ball coaches like our Sweet-Spotters are working to shift that culture back to a team focus. Because when it comes down to it, coaches like us want to develop good people. And those people will be much more successful in their life, career and family if we're focused on training a team player above all else. Today we have TWO amazing guests to share their experience in training athletes how to work hard for the team and program. Michigan's Coach Hutch & Coach Bonnie Tholl are a part of the winningest staff in all of college softball and have been named regional coaching staff of the year 15 times. They've won 21 Big 10 Conference titles and have taken 12 trips all the way to the Women's College World Series. To top it off, they were the first team east of the Mississippi to be named National Champion
Wish your girls were more COMPETITIVE? Michele Smith knows how to develop that fierce mentality! Competitiveness is something we used to think you were born with. "I am competitive." "She's just not that competitive." "My team just doesn't have that kind of drive." What if there were ways you could start building that fire inside of your girls? That's what we chat about today!
We've come a pretty long way in player development, but we can still do more for the skill that's involved in every single action: performance vision. Think about it... We work on getting stronger, faster, more agile. We improve throwing, hitting and pitching skills. Now more coaches are starting to work on mental skills too! But alllll that work goes in the tank if your athlete isn't seeing the ball. Today's guest is Ryan Harrison - founder of https://ndvperformance.com/ (Neuro Dynamic Vision), and he is here to share everything he has learned in his journey with performance vision. Their goal is to help increase our understanding of the power of the brain to improve overall human performance. And we get a sneak peak today! (Follow NDV on https://twitter.com/NDVperformance (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/neurodynamicvision/ (Facebook) & https://www.instagram.com/ndvperformance/ (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/neurodynamicvision/ ((other Insta)) too!) Want to help your players' performance vision by helping them clear their minds?We have the mental training resources to give them the confidence to do that! To learn more about how you can work with us and/or get access to our best resources, just head to https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/ (mentalsweetspot.com)!
That's all for this week! Join us again next week for the first of three Hall of Fame episodes! Alicia + Mel
How to not get caught up in the softball side of things and keep a pulse on everything else our athletes (and we!) are dealing with.
What if you could guarantee your softball instruction was effective each and every time you worked with a student-athlete? You know at this point in your career… just because you know what you’re talking about, doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to help a player reach her potential. Great softball instruction is about more than […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/softball-instruction/ (Softball instruction with a purpose) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Coaching people is more vital than coaching any other physical skill. It has always been my opinion that the coaches who focus on coaching people are the ones who make the biggest impact. This philosophy is gaining traction now, which makes me very happy. But we still have a ways to go with figuring […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/coaching-people/ (Coaching People Not Players | Jay Miller [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
When brain training becomes as important as pitching, hitting and throwing, you can take your athletes to the next level! Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been with us for a while, you KNOW we have to train the mental more. Just like we work to get our feet and hands to […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/brain-training/ (Brain Training for Peak Performance | Sam Hale [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
How to get what you want by showing gratitude before you get it Today I am borrowing content that I have found to be very powerful. Now, I’m a believer in goal-setting. You have to know where you want to go before you can start on the right path, right? But it has always bothered […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/gratitude/ (Gratitude Is A Winning Attitude) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
A 4-step process of learning that you really can trust. Today’s episode is alllll about the process. We talk about it so often, but when you stop to think about it, can you actually define the process? If you can, fantastic! Here’s another idea for you to consider. If not, you’re not alone! We’ve […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/trust-the-process/ (Trust the Process [MT101]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
5 things to stop doing if you want to build a positive, strong team culture. Today’s episode flips the script a bit and focuses on what not to do when coaching the mental game. We give lots of tips and advice for what makes a great mind coach, and today is no different. But today […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/team-culture-2/ (Team Culture No-No’s [MT101]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Connection is key, it takes effort, and it can become one of the most enjoyable parts of your coaching. Welcome back as we continue our conversation from last week! Stacie and I just kept talking, so I decided to break it up into two episodes. The focus of this part of our discussion was […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/connection/ (Build A Better Connection | Stacie Mahoe [MT101]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
You want to coach the mental game more, but it can feel so overwhelming! Let’s make it simpler. Today is the first episode of a series on how to coach the mental game. We’ve covered many how-to topics before, but we wanted to circle back around as we launch our new membership and share […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/coachmentalgame/ (How to coach the mental game | Stacie Mahoe [MT101]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Most coaches pour their hearts and countless hours into developing their athletes. But the real magic happens with intentional coaching. Today’s guest is the founder of Unleash the Athlete and former Head of Leadership Development for IMG Academy. He has worked with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and is currently a mental performance […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/intentional-coaching/ (Intentional Coaching | James Leath [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
It’s not easy to focus on the positive all the time when you’re constantly trying to raise the bar and get better. That’s what today’s guest learned throughout her career and hopes to pass on to other players! If softball had been in the Olympics the past few cycles, you would have seen today’s guest […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/be-positive/ (How to Focus on the Positive | Katie Cochran [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today’s guest is a passionate young woman on a mission to impact lives with her story of resilience. Her honest and relatable delivery of her experiences reminds her audience that there is humor in the challenges we face. By being courageously vulnerable in sharing her biggest heartaches and highest achievements, she hopes others realize that […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/choose-resilience/ (Resilience Is A Choice | Kendall Burton [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
The best coaching tips we can give you are all about YOU. If you’ve coached long enough, you know there are a lot of things that are out of your control, but are nonetheless FRUSTRATING. Dealing with parents of players who seem to undermine you and don’t trust that you know what you’re doing. Trying […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/coaching-tips/ (Coaching Tips for a Smoother Season) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Coaching reflection for Alicia & Wilma It’s the final episode for our mastermind, so it’s time for a coaching reflection! At the end of the season, every coach should take the time to reflect on what went well and what could have gone better. When you reflect honestly, you can set a clear path for […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/coaching-reflection/ (Coaching Reflection – Mastermind Finale [MSM 7]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Struggling defensively because they’re afraid to make a mistake Holding players accountable while still being positive When the snowball becomes an AVALANCHE When you feel desperate to “fix it” but don’t know what to do Switching the focus from stress to competition Pressing and trying to control things that are outside of our control COACHING […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode53/ (Stop Trying So Hard to Fix Things [MSM6]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
TJ’s story of how he got into nutrition, fitness and mindset coaching How overwhelm made Reese feel like it put her fire out Why you’re doing the world a disservice when you’re not being you What energy has to do with living a happier life Food and thoughts as FUEL How comments made by others […]
THE PRODUCT OF HARD WORK, DETERMINATION AND DOING ALL YOU CAN FOR THE TEAMMATES YOU LOVE TO PLAY WITH Today’s guest is widely regarded as one of the best softball players in the world. She became a softball household name at the University of Oklahoma. There she became a Two-Time USA Softball Collegiate Softball Player […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode52/ (USA softball and gold medal aspirations | Keilani Ricketts [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Helping players deal with failure Getting players to buy into mental training When it’s ok to be a “yeller” Understanding different coaching styles Giving better feedback Switching the perspective on expectations Staying patient as the team continues to improve COACHING RESOURCE | Coaching Personality Quiz Just because you’re having a hard time getting through to […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode51/ (Coaching Styles Shouldn’t Be Cookie-Cutter [MSM5]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today we discuss how to get out of the rut faster by… Dealing with the snowball effect that quickly becomes an avalanche Managing our expectations as coaches so we can stay on track Making minor adjustments to take the momentum back Never stopping coaching – regardless of how bad it feels Simplifying and refocusing on […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode50/ (Stuck in a rut [MSM4]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today we discuss how to keep the main thing the main thing by… Lifting the hood for players to see why the coaching staff does certain things – including being hard on them Letting the players share how they prefer to be coached What to do when the team isn’t living their culture Helping players […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode49/ (Keep the main thing the main thing [MSM3]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
There are many theories and studies that explore what makes a good coach. It's tricky because each coach’s style is different. Some are direct and outspoken, while others are more quiet and insightful. Some believe in offense, others in a strong defense. For every trait you can point out in a high-performing coach, it seems you can find the exact opposite in another coach that's just as successful. It’s comforting to know that your coaching style isn’t the only factor. So what's the goal of a good coach? Putting together teams year after year that win and develop strong players is certainly a big part of it. But that’s really a side-effect of the real goal. These top coaches believe the same thing as you and I do! If you want those wins and outward success, you have to develop the person. The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode48/ (What makes a good coach?) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MENTORSO YOU CAN GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR COACHING CAREER Today’s guest recently completed her Doctorate of Higher Education and is in charge of the educational programming for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. She’s involved in choosing speakers for their convention and clinics. Additionally, she has helped assemble […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode47/ (What to look for in a mentor | Dr. Joanna Lane [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today we dig a little deeper than softball drills. We discuss… Diving into the Culture and Committed courses Using empowerment and consequences to improve accountability Planning ahead for implementing the mental game into practice Some misconceptions about mental training including how to get your other coaches to buy in Connecting the dots between mental training, […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode46/ (Softball drills don’t get players game-ready | Mastermind Week 2) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today we discuss how they’re starting to build team culture week one… What they would be most proud of accomplishing this season Some challenges they will likely face this season and how they could affect the team How they envision overcoming those challenges How their coaching strategies and philosophies have shaped their culture The effect […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode45/ (Building a team culture of empowerment | Mastermind Week 1) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today’s guest knows the struggle to success well. An accomplished athlete himself, now he’s a practicing Sports & Performance Psychologist who works with athletes from the PGA and LPGA Tours, NFL, NBA, MMA, and serves as the sports and performance psychologist for The University of Alabama Athletic Department. He is the author of The MindSide […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode44/ (Struggle to Success | Dr. Bhrett McCabe [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today’s guest has been a certified consultant since 2006 with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. He was an assistant professor of Sport Psychology for six years, publishing over a dozen research articles on the “Yips” in Golf, and effectiveness of sport psychology interventions. His articles have been published in the Journal of Applied Sport […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode43/ (Get out of your own head | Dr. Rob Bell [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today’s guest is a true ambassador for softball worldwide. Her career began in Canada then took her to college in Georgia and playing professionally in Holland. She began coaching at the college level immediately after and never looked back. Her Hall of Fame award is just the tip of the impact she’s made on our […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/episode42/ (How to be more authentic | Joni Frei [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Empowering our players allows them to play with passion and want to get better every day. Today’s guest is a widely sought-after speaker for corporations, schools, universities, organizations and teams all over the country. Her Master’s Degree is in Sports and Performance Psychology and she uses it with performers of all ages, from all walks […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-to-empower/ (How to empower our girls to LOVE softball | Jen Croneberger [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“Usually we look at them as separate things- the mental side and the physical side- but to me, they’re connected.” Today’s guest serves as the Director of Peak Performance for the Wright State University baseball team. He works with the coaching staff to develop and implement mental game development plans for individual players, as well […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/coaches-influence-on-athletes/ (Coaches’ influence on athletes | Diamyn Hall [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“That elbow rub, that arm on the shoulder, how are you, that connection… that’s the stuff that keeps them coming back for more.” Today’s guest is one of the most powerful hitters and solid catchers to ever grace our sport. She’s a 3-time Olympic medalist, World Cup Champion, 2-time World Championship winner & 2-time Pan-American […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/control-the-controllables/ (Control the controllables & get back to basics | Stacey Nuveman-Deniz [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“You can love your kids, you can grow them as people, AND you can push them on the ball field to be the best skill player they can be.” Today’s guest is one of the most well-known coaches in our sport, not only for her success on the field, but also for her willingness to […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/on-and-off-the-field/ (On and off the field player development | Lonni Alameda [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“In the grind of it, it’s paying attention to THEM and getting a feel for what they need and how they’re responding.” Today’s guest is one of our sport’s top coaches, known for her attention to detail, focus on the fundamentals, and willingness to share her expertise with other coaches. She’s been invited to speak […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/ownership-molds-a-program/ (Ownership molds a program | Larissa Anderson [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“I think insecure coaches tend to pound their chest and be more matter of fact that this is the right way to do it.” Today’s guest is not only a coach, but he has also played fastpitch himself at the highest levels. After a successful career in the minor leagues, he discovered fastpitch and went […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-to-be-humble-at-work/ (How to be humble at work as a big time DI coach | Kerry Shaw [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“How they treat each other matters and it will affect their performance in games when they are FOR EACH OTHER.” Today’s guest is a well-respected coach at the Division III level and has used her Sport Psychology degree to build a very successful program. Her team has never finished in the bottom half of the […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/team-players/ (Team players play for each other| Mary VandeHoef [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“The most powerful communication that we have is how we LIVE .” Today’s guest is a coach, speaker and author who works with adolescent girls, helping them become more confident, brave and impactful. She has helped players, teams and coaches all over the country learn what it takes to become the leader you’ve always dreamt […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-you-do-anything-is-how-you-do-everything/ (How you do anything is how you do everything | Jenn Starkey [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“To act without an expectation of the outcome is to act with complete clarity.” Today’s guest is a coach to adolescent boys and a promoter of confidence, health and joy. He simply wants to help people reach more of what they deserve…fun, companionship, health, wealth or even adventure by listening, talking and pushing their mental […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-to-build-confidence-and-self-esteem/ (How to build confidence and self-esteem | Dale Hancock [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“It’s hard to bring out the best in your players when you’re only seeing a small piece of who they are.” Today’s guest is one of the members of our newly formed Dream Team! If you haven’t heard us mention it on social media, we have joined forces with some amazing people to help bring […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/talk-less-listen-more/ (Talk less, listen more | Stacie Mahoe [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“There’s a drill and packet for everything else- why not mental game?” Today we bring back a fan favorite: Emily Stanley of Berry College! We’re getting back to interviews again, and we’ve brought back the amazing Emily Stanley! We were chatting after our first episode with her and talking about how she creates workout packets […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/softball-workouts-for-conditioning/ (Softball workouts for conditioning the mind | Emily Stanley [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“Without a strong culture, it’s difficult to do anything.“ This is the final installment of our 7Cs series- a bonus C! Today we talk about Culture. No matter what you do with your team- amazing drills, fun team building exercises, even mental training- none of it will create lasting success without a strong foundation of […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/team-culture/ (Team culture needs a strong foundation [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“If you play how you practice, then you’d better practice with a purpose.” The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs! Today we talk about being Consistent. There will always be ups and downs, but those who are prepared and have purposeful routines experience those dramatic downs […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/consistency-in-performance/ (Consistency in performance is built in practice [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“Leave it all out on the field!” The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs! Today we talk about being Courageous. Being courageous does not mean never having any fears or self-doubt. It means recognizing those fears and either letting them go or finding your way past them. […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/fear-of-failure/ (Fear of failure can be overcome with courage [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“If you lose focus for just one play, it could feel like it cost you the game” The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs! Today we talk about being in Control. Control is about focusing on the things that matter and letting the rest go. It’s not […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/concentration-in-sports/ (Concentration in sports begins with what’s in your control [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
You shouldn’t need to say, “Somebody needs to step up.” The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs! Today we talk about being Composed. Composure is about managing your emotions and energy. It’s not about pushing your feelings aside or trying to pretend you’re not nervous. It’s about […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-to-remain-calm-under-pressure/ (How to remain calm under pressure [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Emotions are dramatic. But we can decide how to deal with them. The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs!
Today we talk about being Confident. We say there are two types: feeling confident which is based on emotions and goes up and down on a whim versus true confidence which is an inner belief that you are capable of great things. We also discuss What it looks like when players and teams are truly confident What it looks like when they aren't confident Body language: slumped shoulders, head down, sluggish Ways coaches could hurt their confidence Ways we can help build true confidence How being confident can help players and expectations Plus Alicia's tips for coaches to instill the true kind of confidence 🙂
When they’re all-out diving, cheering each other on, and having fun, with that fearless attitude… that’s the best kind of competitive! The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs! Today we talk about being Competitive. We define it as developing a winning mindset by focusing on the […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/competitive-mindset/ (Competitive mindset training is all about balance [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Instead of asking "how do I motivate my players?" you would be better served to focus on how to improve commitment. Motivation is often based on how they feel, but commitment is a skill. And skills can be worked on and improved! Today we discuss what being Committed is all about. We talk about what it looks like when players are and aren't committed, what we coaches can do to help or hurt commitment, and some more specific tips on how to improve commitment and mental toughness. After listening to this episode you'll be able to: See what commitment does and doesn't look like Avoid (unintentionally) hurting commitment Practice how to improve commitment Explain the benefits of being committed Learn from Alicia's experience last season using our system The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-to-improve-motivation-in-sport/ (How to improve motivation in sport [7Cs]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“Mental toughness is the difference between good & great.” Today’s guest has her master’s in education degree in counseling and sport psychology, and uses her training to improve team cohesion and build player-led teams. She’s the head coach at Eckerd College, and since taking the helm she has led the team to more and more impressive seasons, […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/embracing-the-struggle/ (Embracing the struggle | Katie Profitt [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
“You can’t expect your girls to do something you haven’t taught.” Today’s guest is a former head college softball coach who is now a licensed mental healthcare professional, certified Sport Psychology consultant and private softball instructor, helping countless student-athletes & coaches. She stepped down as the head coach at Bridgewater State University in 2017 to pursue her […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/role-of-a-coach/ (The role of a coach is to understand | Chrissy Semler [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today’s guest has her master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences with a concentration in Sport Psychology and uses her training to help her players use mental training every day. She’s the pitching coach at Berry College, and the Vikings pitching staff has become one of the top squads in the nation under her guidance. The team […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/focus-on-what-you-want/ (Focus on what you want to happen | Emily Stanley [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Today’s guest has his Doctorate (ABD) in Sport Psychology and uses his training to help his players redefine their horizon and reach unexpected new heights. Described as clever, innovative, and hardworking, he has consistently helped his pitching staffs improve. He has coached at some of the top programs in the nation, including Louisiana Lafayette, including his current […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/get-out-of-your-comfort-zone/ (Get Out of Your Comfort Zone | Josh Johnson [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
We’re back again with another coach interview! This guest is pursuing her Doctorate in Sport Psychology and uses these concepts to help build her athletes from the top down. In doing so, she has created a powerhouse program in the California Junior College ranks, and leads the reigning NFCA Cal JC National Coaching Staff of the Year. […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/strong-voice/ (Strong voice over weak voice | Ruby Rojas [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
We have a bonus episode for you! We were approached by PocketRadar because they wanted to introduce their new product, the SmartCoach radar to the softball world, and we immediately know it was a great fit! If you’re a softball coach and haven’t heard of their handheld radar gun, you mayyyy be living under a […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/using-data-to-drive-instruction/ (Using data to drive instruction | Pocket Radar [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
We are excited to introduce our first coach interview! Our goal is to bring on experienced coaches who have training in and have been using sport psychology with their players, and we found a gem in this one! She’s been implementing the mental game with her players since she began coaching and is now in […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/freedom-to-fail/ (Freedom to fail = freedom to play | Megan Smith [INT]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
In this episode, we share the ways we didn't coach the mental game well and how we learned and evolved along the way. So for those of you out there who are still working on it, we get it! We discuss: * What we used to do (or not do) for the mental game * Spending time finding resources to share with our girls * How Alicia's notebooks started and how they've evolved through the years * Fitting it all into practice, blending mental and physical * Making adjustments mid-season and * Working through frustration by leaning on your support system The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/mental-training-techniques/ (Mental training techniques that weren’t that effective [WHY]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
In this mini-series, we’ll be talking more about how you can implement the mental game this season. This first episode touches on every [good] coach’s dream: to make an impact on their players so they leave your program better off than when they started with you. 🙂 We discuss: Our WHY- what we want to […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/know-your-why/ (Know your why [WHY]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
The season came to a controversial end in post-season, yet Alicia and the team could not be more proud of what they accomplished this season. In the episode, we discuss: Creating pressure and fun at practice Dealing with very frustrating uncontrollables Reflecting back with pride after seeing the growth The biggest factor in this team’s success Seeing […]
It’s playoff week for the Mattawan High School team! There were many great lessons and proud moments this week 🙂 In the episode, we discuss: Dealing with the unexpected & staying resilient Taking it one game at a time Having fun and being fearless Reframing circumstances to your advantage Getting to post-season with a young team, and […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/managing-your-emotions/ (Managing your emotions | Week 11 [MHS]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
This is the final week before post-season, and the team is finally settling into their routines. In this episode, we discuss: Developing a new routine between games to improve second-game performance Dealing with fatigue and weather, without making excuses Trusting your training and keeping things simple going into post-season Reflecting on the growth so far […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/staying-consistent/ (Staying consistent at practice | Week 10 [MHS]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
Having up and down performance is frustrating as a coach, so this week we talked a lot about consistency. In the episode, we discuss: Maintaining focus through the end of the season Staying consistent from practice to practice and game to game Using positive momentum, and stopping negative momentum Refocusing between games using routines Staying in […]
More practice days gave us more time to teach the mental game in practice, so we had plenty of time to tackle the topic of being in Control. In the episode, we discuss: Focusing on fundamentals and adding pressure What each player needs when they lose focus Going through the focus funnel before each pitch Focusing […]
The post https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/how-to-deal-with-distractions/ (How to deal with distractions | Week 8 [MHS]) appeared first on https://www.mentalsweetspot.com (Mental Sweet Spot).
This week was a busy one for Mattawan Softball, which was a great test for our primary focus with this business: how to implement the mental game when your time is limited. In the episode, we discuss: Teaching the players how to control the controllables Using time off strategically Celebrating wins and growth Not making excuses but acknowledging the facts of the situation Implementing the mental game when you only have one day of practice for the whole week(!)
There are going to be times when you ask, is this mental stuff even working? The answer is yes! But there are some days when frustration mounts because it’s taking longer than you’d like and you start to second-guess it. That’s what happened this week and we discuss: The Snowball Effect- when one bad play turns into a bad game Taking a different approach when the same thing keeps happening (great game 1, terrible game 2) What happens when motivational speeches aren't quite enough and you have to have a "Come to Jesus" moment CHOOSING to be confident and committed What happened when it finally clicked
This week didn’t go so great for the team, so Alicia shares how she helped the team work through it and move forward. We discuss: Adapting to weather and distractions How negative self-talk hurts their confidence Encouraging the players to give each other feedback Giving positive and productive feedback despite setbacks Building relationships Managing expectations
In this episode, we show you how we discovered the team’s and individual players’ best mental strengths (the 7Cs) while also building their weaker Cs. We discuss: Staying accountable to your commitment and teammates. Their first “real” games and how things went. Setting expectations in a way that ensures your players hear the message beyond your disappointed tone
You've likely already taught your girls why they need to focus on the process, but what about the how? Just like telling a girl to keep her head down when fielding a ground ball doesn't always seem to help in the moment... We have to give our players the skills they need in order to accomplish a task. In this case, we talk about how to focus on the process by setting long-term goals and breaking them down into a daily focus. We discuss: The importance of focusing on the process. Setting long and short-term goals, and how to know you've set the goals high enough. Focusing on the process of getting a little better each day. Staying accountable for your process goals, even when you're on vacation.
If you fail to build trust in your team, you are setting yourself up for more failure. When times get tough, each player has to trust that their teammates and coaches have their back. But just saying "We have to have each other's backs," isn't enough. You build that trust in your team by fostering open, honest communication and developing empathy for one another. That way, when someone disagrees with the way someone else is doing things, that conversation will go a lot more smoothly. We discuss: Incorporating the team why & culture into all drills and discussions. Tactics for encouraging all players to speak up both in team discussions and on the field. How she helped her players begin to develop empathy for one another so they understand others' perspectives. Building trust in the coaching staff with honest, open feedback both in games and at practice.
Building culture is arguably a coach's #1 most important job. But it's just now getting the attention it deserves! We've been working on culture-building in an intentional way for a while now, and the results have been phenomenal! Our teams are closer, there's less drama, and everyone is united for the same goal. The secret sauce though, is in getting everyone's input. Because culture starts with buy-in. And what better way to get buy-in than the use their own language? In this episode, we give you a glimpse at our process for building culture. Check out the highlights! Team building with Athlete Types, an online personality test geared toward athletes. Defining the team culture from the players' perspective so they buy into the culture they want. Identifying each individual's and the team "why," helping each person connect to how they want to feel when they reflect on their season. Using goal buddies and drills to implement that culture as they practice their physical skills.
This episode is the first in a series following Alicia's team for an entire season while working on the 7Cs! We'll introduce what we'll be doing with the team and discuss: The core standards of the Mattawan program & Alicia's expectations Using the Athlete Types assessment to get to know each other better. Exploring why they play - both individually and as a team Setting daily process goals and working it into the practice plan