Join hosts Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin for Series 3, Episode 4 of the Peak Potential podcast by OpHP (Optimal Human Performance). This episode features renowned performance psychologist Dr Dave Collins, who shares expert strategies for maximising human performance through psychological skills. Discover how elite athletes, coaches, and high-stakes professionals can harness the power of the brain, mental imagery, and quality practice to achieve excellence under pressure.

Key Topics Covered

• Psychological skills for peak performance
• The role of the brain in elite performance
• Talent identification and development
• The impact of quality practice
• Imagery techniques, including PETTLEP imagery
• Overcoming trauma and building resilience
• Adaptability, continuous learning, and critical reflection
• Coaching strategies for high-pressure environments

About Dr Dave Collins

Dr Dave Collins is a leading expert in sport and performance psychology. With decades of experience, he has worked with over 70 World or Olympic medalists and professional teams. Dave is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and Director at Grey Matters Performance Ltd. He specialises in developing individuals and teams to perform under pressure and has coached at the national level in three sports.

• Grey Matters Performance Consultancy
• Dave Collins on LinkedIn
• Dave’s academic research
• Sport Skill Acquisition Book
• Sport Psychology Essentials (Book)

Chapters

1. Dave’s Journey from Military to Psychology
2. The Importance of the Brain in Performance
3. Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs)
4. Defining Excellence in High-Stress Contexts
5. Quality Practice and Its Impact
6. Talent Identification and Development
7. Transitioning Skills Across Domains
8. The Power of Imagery in Sports
9. Understanding and Applying PETTLEP Imagery
10. The Rocky Road Hypothesis
11. Coaching Strategies and Flexibility
12. Maintaining Skills and Continuous Improvement
13. Final Thoughts and Reflections

Resources & Contact

• Email Dr Dave Collins: dave@greymattersuk.com
• Contact OpHP: info@ophp.co.uk
• Visit OpHP Website

Listen & Subscribe

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This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

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