Demystifying Mental Toughness

Today’s episode is the second part of my discussion with Gayatri Bhushan, co-founder of Mind Matter Performance.  We go onto continue to explore the importance of being curious and open to learn about the experiences of others in sport.  Gayatri goes onto share further insights from India and the Middle East, where cultural, social, and gender barriers can put limits on opportunities for different athletes, participants and coaches. Key Learning Points: ·         The discussion highlighted the significant impact of Premier League Football in India, with personal stories illustrating the feeling of belonging that fans can feel. ·         Challenges in sports accessibility in India are apparent, including socio-economic barriers, gender disparities, and cultural norms. ·         Sunil Chhetri's unfulfilled potential due to bureaucratic hurdles, underscored questionable policies and procedures. ·         Sport can transform the lives of families. Connect with Gayatri Bhushan Mind Matter Performance Website Connect with David Charlton The Mental Edge with David Charlton Instagram LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For All Athletes and Participants Ep291: Gayatri Bhushan - From India to the Premier League, Sport Psychology, Belonging & Barriers Ep290: Gordon MacLelland - Stop Focusing On Results: Developing Life Skills Through Sport Ep287: Duncan O’Brien - Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance? Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

Join us for an inspiring episode as we welcome Gayatri Bhushan, HCPC-registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, who shares her deeply personal journey into the world of sports psychology. Born in India and now based in New Delhi, Gayatri reflects on her early years as a national-level 400-metre athlete and the pivotal challenges she faced, from performance pressures to the lack of mental health support. Her story of searching for guidance—often in vain—sparked a passion for ensuring no athlete is left without support, especially young girls navigating the complex intersection of sport and well-being. Having studied at Loughborough University and worked with Premier League clubs in London, Gayatri discusses the profound impact of being immersed in diverse sporting environments. She highlights the crucial role of equality, diversity, and inclusion in building mental toughness, emphasising that access to psychological support should not be a privilege but a right for all athletes. Tune in to gain insight into the challenges, learnings, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and resilient sporting world. Key Learning Points: ·        The implementation of regulations and standards to protect the title of Sport Psychologist in India is important. ·        Advocate for more inclusive and diverse staffing policies in sports organisations to improve relatability and representation. ·        Encourage athletes to be comfortable in their own skin and not suppress their emotions and cultural identity. Connect with Gayatri Bhushan Mind Matter Performance Website Connect with David Charlton The Mental Edge with David Charlton Instagram LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For All Athletes and Participants Ep290: Gordon MacLelland - Stop Focusing On Results: Developing Life Skills Through Sport Ep287: Duncan O’Brien - Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance? Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

In the second part of a dialog with Parents in Sport founder, Gordon MacLelland, the conversation goes onto discuss the importance of resilience and normalising failure in sports when communicating with children.   Such discussions between parents, coaches and children can help kids develop positive coping mechanisms.  David and Gordon also touched on the potential risks of early specialisation in sports at a young age, such as burnout, overuse injuries and the potential to drop out from the sport altogether.  The benefits of diversifying sports participation and the importance of developing multifaceted kids were also talked about. Key Learning Points: ·        Seek to focus on long-term development, such as aspects of mental toughness and resilience, rather than just results and outcomes. ·       Get to know yourself as a parent  as well as your child, seeking to improve your self-awareness. ·        Understand what burnout in sport symptoms are for your children. ·        Encourage regular check-ins between coaches/organisations and parents to manage expectations. ·        Explore ways to better support and train coaches and volunteers in sports clubs to have more effective conversations with parents. Connect with Gordon MacLelland Parents In Sport Website Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Useful Youth Sport Psychology Resource  Youth Sport Motivation Checklist Parental Sport Motivation Checklist Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For Children Ep289: Gordon MacLelland – How To Support Children To Enjoy A Positive Relationship With Sport Ep288: Duncan O’Brien - How To Overcome Intense Emotions From Football Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep280: Colm O'Donoghue - How To Help A Young Golfer Who Struggles Playing Strokeplay Ep279: Ger Fitzgerald - How To Help A Young Cricketer Overcome Selection Difficulties Relevant Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For Children Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment Blog - 9 Tips for Children from Olympians Blog - 5 Tips for Parents to Help their Children Perform with Confidence Blog – How to Help Young Footballers Find the Zone Blog – How do You Give a Young Golfer Self Confidence Youth Sports Psychology Library – For Parents Stuart Brown PHD – Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination and invigorates the soul Susan Jackson, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Flow In Sports

In episode 289 of Demystifying Mental Toughness, the founder of Parents in Sport, Gordon MacLelland, shared his journey from having a promising sports career, to coaching and teaching to supporting parenting in sports.   He emphasized the importance of understanding individual children's motivations when considering their sporting experience.   Also highlighted were the challenges of balancing fun and competitive pressures.  The conversation underscored the importance of self-awareness as a parent and being an intentional in the love and support that you offer your children, as a parent in sports, whilst accepting that you and your child are human. Additionally, David and Gordon stress the benefits of participating in sports on child’s character and mental toughness development, over winning, and the need for realistic expectations. Key Learning Points: ·        Understand your child's motivations for playing sports and why they do it. ·        Have regular check-ins with your child to understand how their motivations may change over time. ·        Avoid asking questions like "Did you win?" or "Were you the best?" and instead focus on character traits with questions such as “When were you brave?” or statements “I noticed how you bounced back positively after your team lost the first goal by the way you were calling for the ball. ·        Be mindful of the timing and approach when having difficult conversations with your child about their sports performance. ·        Recognize that success in sports should not be solely defined by performance outcomes, and focus on the wider benefits of participation. Connect with Gordon MacLelland Parents In Sport Website Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Useful Youth Sport Psychology Resource  Youth Sport Motivation Checklist Parental Sport Motivation Checklist Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For Children Ep288: Duncan O’Brien - How To Overcome Intense Emotions From Football Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep280: Colm O'Donoghue - How To Help A Young Golfer Who Struggles Playing Strokeplay Ep279: Ger Fitzgerald - How To Help A Young Cricketer Overcome Selection Difficulties Ep233: David Charlton - How To Help A Young Footballer Overcome Fear Relevant Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For Children Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment Blog - 9 Tips for Children from Olympians Blog - 5 Tips for Parents to Help their Children Perform with Confidence Blog – How to Help Young Footballers Find the Zone Blog – How do You Give a Young Golfer Self Confidence Youth Sports Psychology Library – For Parents

In a continuation of last week’s conversation, David Charlton and Duncan O'Brien discuss the impact of shame on athletes, particularly footballers.   Self-esteem, the self-recognition of multiple-selves and self-compassion are also features of the conversation.  They go on to discuss the impact of poor performances on an athletes’ mood.  Solutions to shift perspective are discussed to aid the understanding of sport coaches and parents to support athletes effectively.  They also touch on other strong emotions, such as anger and how to harness it. Key Learning Points: ·        Explore ways to normalise emotions and have open conversations about them. ·        Developing an openness to learn more about yourself, your athletes or children is vital. ·        Understanding and connect with the state of being at you best can transform your mindset. ·        Potential dynamics where an athletic identity can become entangled with self-esteem and confidence resulting in negative mental health implications should be considered. ·        Athletes should be aware of their own triggers and to have strategies for managing anger effectively. Connect with Duncan O’Brien LinkedIN Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep287: Duncan O’Brien - Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance? Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

David Charlton and Duncan O'Brien discuss the emotional challenges in football, focusing on blame, shame, guilt, and anger in this week’s episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness.  Duncan, influenced by Brene Brown's work, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and collaboration in coaching.  He highlights the need for coaches to create supportive yet challenging environments, using tools like Clean Language to foster self-awareness and resilience.  They explore how emotions like shame can manifest in players, affecting their performance and behaviour.  The conversation underscores the significance of coaches communicating effectively and setting clear expectations to help players navigate stress and criticism, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective coaching dynamic. Key Learning Points: ·        Explore using clean language techniques in football coaching to help players develop self-awareness. ·        Encourage players to ask questions of each other rather than giving direct orders or criticism during challenging situations. ·        Educate coaches and players on the difference between shame and guilt, and how to address feelings of shame in a constructive way. ·        Mistakes are common in football and pointing the fingers, blaming can lead to guilt, impacting players' confidence and bravery. ·        Vulnerability is essential to encourage courageous behaviours and collaboration, however it is dependent on the relationship and trust developed between coaches and players. Connect with Duncan O’Brien LinkedIN Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

Today, the conversation delves into the experiences of a neurodiverse referee, referee educator and coach, Nathan Sherratt, the owner of The Third Team.  We discuss the challenges faced in education, the workplace, and on the pitch, highlighting the importance of structure and accountability.   David and Nathan also emphasise the need for understanding and support, particularly from clubs, organisations and governing bodies such as the FA, to better accommodate neurodivergent individuals in sports.   Nathan goes on to share personal strategies for managing sensory challenges and the significance of self-care, including physical activities like walking and golf.   The importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the value of support networks in achieving success is also a feature of the episode. Key Learning Points: ·        Explore ways to manage the sensory challenges, such as the cold weather or noisy crowds. ·        Neurodiverse traits can change over time. ·        Every individual’s experience of living with autism is different. ·        Adapting the use of comms kits in professional games and the difficulty of managing multiple conversations simultaneously should be considered by the FA when thinking about supporting Neurodiverse referees and assistant referees. ·        It is important for governing bodies to invest in supporting and educating people who are neurodiverse to future-proof specific individuals in sports. Connect with Nathan Sherratt Instagram Website - The Third Team Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

In today’s episode David Charlton and his colleague Adam Batstone emphasised the importance of psychological support in football and sport coaching with children.  They particularly acknowledged the need to foster rapport with parents to address their concerns about disclosing their child's challenges.   David and Adam highlighted the need for adaptability in coaching methods, especially for neurodivergent children, who may require more personalised approaches.  They discussed strategies like framing sessions, providing clear routines, and using non-confrontational prompts to maintain engagement.  The conversation also touched on the significance of life skills development beyond football, noting that coaches can help children build resilience and emotional flexibility, crucial for their future success in various fields. Key Learning Points: ·         Seek to explore ways to incorporate more flexibility and adaptability in training sessions to better accommodate neurodivergent players. ·         Develop strategies to build trust with parents, encouraging them to openly share information about their child's needs. ·         Provide training for coaches on recognizing and supporting neurodivergent behaviours, and implementing effective intervention techniques. ·         Investigate the feasibility of creating designated "safe spaces" within the training environment for players to self-regulate when needed. ·         Factor in the psychological planning of training sessions to consider the emotional responses of players. ·         Utilise additional coaching resources to provide one-on-one support for players who may need it during sessions. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources Podcast Episodes To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Ep074: David Charlton – How Can I Make My Child Feel Confident? Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete Ep217: Chris Cook – How A Marginal Gains Approach Can Help You Perform Better Resources To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Helping Young Athletes Manage Emotions Does Your Child Worry Too Much About What Others Think? My Child Can’t Find “The Zone” Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents

David Charlton introduces the next phase of the "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast, where episodes will address various contemporary issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented groups like BAME athletes and neurodivergent individuals.  The podcast will also discuss the impact of social media and the problematic cultures of blaming and shaming in sports.  David emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences and avoiding stereotyping, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach to enhance the everyone’s overall sporting experience. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

Today, the case study that David Charlton and his colleague Colm O’Donoghue discuss is connected to a 16-year-old swimmer who spends a lot of time online checking his rivals out, be that on social media or reviewing stats and results.  The implication is that his motivation and focus when training fluctuates and negative emotions such as jealousy and anxiety are triggered.   As well, potential challenges with his own self-esteem and how he feels about himself can be evident.  David and Colm offer some ideas to shift his focus so that he is able to enhance his motivation and feel better in himself. Key Learning Points: Social comparison theory, proposed by Leon Festinger, suggests that individuals evaluate their own abilities, opinions, and accomplishments by comparing themselves to other people.  This theory suggests that we have an natural drive to evaluate ourselves, and social comparison is a primary method we use to do so. Develop a pre-race routine to get into the right mindset, consider when you want to be online and not especially as the race draws closer. Set SMART goals focused on personal improvement. Review your emotional experience and self-talk when your online, how does it make your feel? What are you telling yourself about situations that you come across? Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Ep074: David Charlton – How Can I Make My Child Feel Confident? Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete Ep217: Chris Cook – How A Marginal Gains Approach Can Help You Perform Better Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Resources To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Helping Young Athletes Manage Emotions Does Your Child Worry Too Much About What Others Think? My Child Can’t Find “The Zone”

In this episode, David Charlton and his colleague Colm O’Donoghue discussed a case study of a 12-year-old tennis player who struggled with her emotions on the court.   She often became overwhelmed by with anger and frustration or disappointment after making mistakes or losing points, leading to a loss of focus, poor performance and less enjoyment.  Her parents also found it very difficult to watch her play and contain themselves as a result too.  David and Colm go on to offer some advice for managing these strong emotional responses so that she can perform better and enjoy her tennis more.  Key Learning Points: ·       Improving her emotional regulation is key to her success and enjoyment. ·       Find ways to focus on the present such as breathing techniques can be useful. ·       David emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and viewing breathing as a life skill. ·       Seeing the alignment of the parasympathetic nervous system as a vital component in playing your best by strategically finding ways to slow down can be helpful. ·       Plan B thinking by using visualisation, where she sees herself making mistakes and feels the emotions that comes with this, then recovering more positively can help her improve her composure in difficult moments. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Help You Regulate Your Emotions Ep071 - James Lau: Mastering The Mental Side Of Tennis Ep232 – Andy Elleray - How To Remain Composed As a Goalkeeper Under Pressure Ep256 – David Charlton - The Immature Brain: How To Help An Emotional Child Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Resources To Support Tennis Players Perform Better How To Regain Momentum In Tennis So That You Win More Matches How to Let Go of Mistakes when Playing Tennis How Tennis Players Can Stay Confident Under Pressure

Does the perfect golf swing exist? NO.  Does the perfect golf swing equal lower scores in golf? NO – Yet many golfers continue to strive to attain the “perfect swing.”  This is the topic of conversation today, where David and colleague Colm O’Donoghue talk about the problem with this approach and the implications for your golf game.  They also share some advice on what you could consider doing to improve your scores and your enjoyment of the game.  Key Learning Points:  Studies suggest that the variation in technique between low handicap amateurs and professional golfers is similar.    Consider how you practice your golf, if you practice solely in a technical manner it is likely to tie you up in knots and show in your golf scores.  Split your practice into technical, performance, process and creative practice.  Do you ever consider how you can access a flow state and what a flow state is for you on the golf course?  Connect with David Charlton  Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN  Podcast Episodes To Help Golfers Improve Their Scores  Ep017: Gio Valiante – How to Play Fearless Golf  Ep089: Will Shaw – How To Transfer Your Golfing Skills To The Course   Ep101: Compilation – 25 Mental Game Secrets to Improve Your Golf  Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Golfers, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches  Youth Sports Psychology Library   Conversations With Kids Ideas  Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents  Resources To Support Golfers So That They Score Better  Frequently Asked Questions on Golf Psychology and Golf Mental Skills   Golf Psychology and Mental Skills for Golf Library  8 Better Ways to Practice to Your Golf  Do You Obsess over the Perfect Golf Swing?  Are You Missing Shots Before You’ve Started Your Swing 

David Charlton hosts the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast with his colleague and a fellow competitive amateur golfer, Colm O’Donoghue today.  Colm discusses his journey from playing golf as a child to returning to the sport in his mid-20s, driven by an interest in the psychological aspects of golf.  He shares his struggles with perfectionism and the importance of maintaining a present-focused mindset. Together they talk about a case study of a young golfer, who excels in match play but struggles with stroke play due to focusing too much on the score.  Colm and David emphasize the importance of a pre-shot routine in maintaining his focus and staying present, which can help manage his arousal levels, in turn, lowering his scores. Key Learning Points: ·        Trying to play perfect golf and focusing too much on the score can impact enjoyment of the sport. ·       Colm explains the difference between match play and stroke play, emphasizing the reset nature of match play and the need to focus on the process in stroke play. ·        Self-awareness is critical, recognising and being able to reset when you are ahead of yourself and predicting future holes, shots or score and identifying when you are stuck in the past, dwelling on mistakes. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Help Golfers Focus On The Process Ep243 David Charlton - How I Would Help Rory McIlroy Win The British Open Ep099 Trevor Jones - How to Deal with Overthinking on the Golf Course Ep167 Karl Morris - How To Manage Your Emotions To Improve Your Golf #BITESIZE Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Golfers, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Resources To Support Golfers So That They Focus Better Frequently Asked Questions on Golf Psychology and Golf Mental Skills Golf Psychology and Mental Skills for Golf Library Control Your Thoughts on the Golf Course Play Your Best Golf More Often

Today, in episode #279 David and Gerard discuss the challenges faced by a 12-year-old cricketer named Amir (pseudonym), who is a leg spinner struggling with inconsistent selection due to the club's preference for pace bowling.  Amir's fluctuating motivation and confidence, as well as the potential for dropping out of cricket are attributed to poor communication from coaches and his own difficulty in expressing frustrations.  Key Learning Points: ·         Helping the cricketer develop psychological flexibility to separate his self-worth from the selection decisions made by the coaches is key. ·         Encourage the cricketer to focus on the controllables, such as his attitude, effort, and the key ingredients that make up a good performance, rather than the uncontrollable factors like the perfect delivery. ·         Coaches should consider carefully how they communicate to prevent young cricketers and athletes from feeling undervalued and potentially quitting the sport.  Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep176 Camilla Knight: How To Help Enhance The Psychological Wellbeing Of Children In Sport #BITESIZE Ep168 - Andrew Simpson: How To Navigate Youth Sports So That Children Enjoy The Experience More   Ep141 -David Charlton: How to Help a Child Who Wants to Quit Sport   Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Resources To Support Cricketers So That They Play With Confidence Cricket Psychology Library 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Bowl Every Delivery Make Bowling Simple by Avoiding these 3 Common Mental Game Errors

In today’s episode, #278 David and Gerard discuss the impact of a shouty coach on an 18-year-old rugby player named Tom (pseudonym).  They explore how such coaching styles can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and increased self-criticism, affecting both on-field performance and confidence levels.   They emphasize the importance of coaches fostering a supportive environment where players can express themselves freely. Key Learning Points: ·        The conversation highlights the broader issue of youth sports participation and the need for a supportive coaching culture. ·        Develop standardised behaviour routines for young athletes, focusing on the attributes of their favourite players (e.g., work rate, commitment, shooting of Ronaldo). ·        Ask the athlete questions to understand their perspective on what behaviours mean to them personally (eg. work rate and commitment).  Often a coaches’ or parents’ interpretation can be very different. ·        Focus on solutions to help young footballers and athletes manage their emotions effectively. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep055: Natalie Henderson, John Fletcher & James Maurice – How to Develop Mental Strength in Young Athletes Ep064: Edu Rubio – How to Support Young Footballers Ep074: David Charlton – How Can I Make My Child Feel Confident Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents

In episode #277 David and Gerard Fitzgerald discussed how to help shift the focus of an extra competitive footballer or athlete, using the example of a boy named Joe who hates losing.   Key points included the importance of harnessing anger positively, as seen with Wayne Rooney's iconic goal in 2005 for Manchester United versus Newcastle United.  They also share the need to normalise emotional responses like anger where footballers may kick out, tackle over aggressively, shout at team-mates or display poor body language.   Parents and coaches are advised to avoid adding to the child's stress and activating their sympathetic nervous system anymore by shouting and yelling at them, instead helping them regulate emotions. Key Learning Points: ·        Develop standardised behaviour routines for young footballers, focusing on the attributes of their favourite players (e.g., work rate, commitment, shooting of Ronaldo). ·        Ask the athlete questions to understand their perspective on what behaviours (work rate, commitment) mean to them as often a coach or parents’ interpretation can be very different. ·        Accept and seek to understand individual perspectives, traits and subsequent behaviours without being overly judgemental. ·        Focus on solutions to help young footballers and athletes manage their emotions effectively. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep082: David Charlton – Supporting Children in Sport with Positive Feedback Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight – Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents   Helpful Resources For Young Football and Soccer Players, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Frequently Asked Questions - Goalkeeping Psychology Frequently Asked Questions - Football Psychology Ep276: How To Help A Footballer Who Focuses Too Much On Other People Ep049: James Maurice – How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help 

Today marks the start of an 8-episode series where David Charlton is joined by a colleague.  Gerard Fitzgerald features in this episode, as well as the next 3 episodes.  They go on to discuss a case study of a young female footballer, 11 years old with a pseudonym name called Carly who is a sensitive soul who worries too much about other people (team-mates specifically in this case).  We go on to normalise emotional sensitivity in young athletes, highlighting that it can be a strength if managed properly.  We also talk about the challenges of emotional sensitivity where young athletes often face mental drain and self-doubt.  David and Gerard then go on to share some advice for parents and coaches to manage emotionally sensitive players who can focus too much on their team-mates. Key Learning Points: ·        Explore ways to normalize the emotional experiences of young athletes and help them manage the mental demands of the sport. ·        Develop strategies to shift the focus from negative self-criticism and comparison to a more positive, responsibility-based approach. ·        The conversation explores how a neutral third party can provide a fresh perspective and help both parents and children understand each other better. ·        Constant comparison to teammates can lead to self-doubt and criticism in young athletes and footballers. ·        The discussion concludes with a reminder that the win-at-all-costs attitude can sometimes drive young athletes away from sport emphasising the need for fun and enjoyment. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep049: James Maurice – How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help  Ep082: David Charlton – Supporting Children in Sport with Positive Feedback Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight – Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences Ep131 David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – FINAL PART Ep141: David Charlton – How to Help a Child Who Wants to Quit Sport Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Soccer and Football Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents

After a short break from creating and broadcasting episodes of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, in episode #275, David discusses a change in format to the podcast for the rest of 2025.  He also highlights the benefits of having a support system and the benefits of reading and acting on advice from The 12 Week Year, book written by Brian F Moran and Michael Lemmington.  Key Learning Points: ·         Taking a break can revive our motivation and creativity similar to the power of periodisation in sport or strength training. ·         The next episode will be published on Friday 04 April. ·         An 8-week series of episodes focusing on the youth sport experience will follow. ·         David’s Irish based colleagues Gerard Fitzgerald and Colm O’Donoghue will provide support for David in these episodes sharing their perspective. ·         Challenges that youth athletes, sporting parents and youth coaches regularly come across will be a feature of our discussions. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep049: James Maurice – How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help  Ep082: David Charlton – Supporting Children in Sport with Positive Feedback Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight – Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences Ep131 David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – FINAL PART Ep141: David Charlton – How to Help a Child Who Wants to Quit Sport Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents

In this week’s episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast #274, we focus in on the control and challenge measures from Professor Peter Clough’s 4C’s model of Mental Toughness.   David highlights how US tennis player Danielle Collins' managed fans heckling at the Australian Open to aid her performance.   Insightful guests, Sport Psychologists, World Champion Athletes and Olympians also offer tips: where they focus on self-care for perfectionists, emphasise why getting clarity on your "why" is important, stressing present-moment awareness and a lot more. Key Learning Points: ·         Incorporate self-care practices, such as taking breaks from screens, doing breathwork, or a gratitude practice to aid your emotional control. ·         Danielle Collins showed a degree of emotional control and a sense of humour to turn negative fan comments into motivation, rather than letting them affect her performance. ·         Many driven athletes can take things too seriously impacting their emotional control and ability to challenge themself. ·         Play the observation game to improve your awareness of behaviours that you carry out, focusing on your reactions, inadvertently the outcome can then be improved performance. ·         To help children in sort, parents should lead with love and care, avoiding pointing out flaws, focusing on positive reinforcement. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help You Improve Your Control and Challenge Levels as Relayed in Episode 274 Ep172: Brandon Epstein – Working With Your Subconscious Mind To Achieve Better Results Ep168: Andrew Simpson – How To Navigate Youth Sports So That Children Enjoy The Experience More Ep162: Sun Sachs & Ed Gibbins: How to Find a Flow State to Improve Your Performance Ep099: Trevor Jones – How to Deal with Overthinking on the Golf Course Ep083: Billy Schwer – Life Lessons from a World Champion Boxer Ep081: Stuart Wade – Mental Toughness in Combat Sports Ep033: Aly Dixon – Mental Toughness Lessons from a World Champion Ep013: Karl Morris – How to Stay Present like a Major Champion Ep017: Gio Valiante – How to Play Fearless Golf Other Valuable Resources To Help You Improve Your Control and Challenge Levels Challenge Podcasts Bravery Podcasts Emotional Control Podcasts Emotional Control Blogs Emotional Intelligence Blogs Emotional Regulation Blogs

The "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast episode #273, hosted by David Charlton, features insights from various team sports coaches and athletes, on commitment and confidence.  Key points include the importance of individual motivation in team sports, maintaining a balance in life, and the necessity of standing out in training and matches.  Guests emphasize the need for authenticity and surrounding oneself with positive influences, as well as many other great points. Key Learning Points: ·         Prioritize your own performances and progress, saying no to activities that are incompatible with your development. ·         A combination of confidence and commitment characteristics can lead to optimistic and challenging goal-setting. ·         To overcome fear and procrastination you could chunk down, planning goals in small steps towards your larger goals. ·         Cultivate a brave and determined mindset when it comes to goal-setting, where failure is not an option. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help You Improve Your Commitment and Confidence Levels as Relayed in Episode 273 Ep104: Seb De Chaves –  The Psychological Demands of Elite Professional Rugby Ep091: Jarrod Leathem -  How to Transfer Your Cricket Skills to Matches Ep077: Danny Thomas – Before, During and After Professional Football Ep072 Tom Jones: Mastering the Mental Side of Cricket Ep043: Jamie Forrester – Thriving in Professional Football Ep029: Lome Faatau – How to Play Professional Rugby with Confidence Ep018: Kieron Brady – From Professional Football to Alcoholism Consultant Ep007: Toby Flood –  How Elite Athletes Mentally Prepare Ep003: Peter Ramage – Developing a Premier League Mindset Other Valuable Resources To Improve Your You Improve Your Commitment and Confidence Levels Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Goalkeeping Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources