Join youth baseball stars Caleb and Noah as they take center stage, sharing how they leverage the Focus Cycle framework to conquer performance anxiety and excel in the Little League World Series. In this episode, we dive deep into the essential skills of Focus, Self-Talk, and Body Control—key components that empower young athletes to manage their emotions and perform at their best, even under pressure.

Through Caleb and Noah's experiences, you'll discover practical strategies for shifting focus away from distractions, using positive self-talk to reinforce confidence, and controlling physical responses to maintain composure during critical moments. We break down how athletes can consciously create the emotions they need to succeed, harnessing the power of intention and presence to stay in the moment.

This episode is a valuable resource for coaches, too, showcasing how the Focus Cycle can be adapted for athletes of all ages. Whether you’re working with budding players or seasoned competitors, these insights will help you guide your athletes toward mental resilience, providing them with the tools to transform nerves into peak performance. Coaches will also gain actionable techniques for embedding these practices into training, creating a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Have your athletes ever come to you saying, “I tried the breathing, but it didn’t work”? In this episode of Coaching Minds, we tackle exactly that—what to do when athletes struggle with using breathing techniques during competition. We’ll break down why diaphragmatic breathing sometimes feels ineffective and provide practical solutions to help athletes stay calm under pressure.

From refining breathing exercises to understanding how to use them in high-stress moments, we share real-life examples and proven strategies to make these techniques work. Whether it's adjusting timing or mindset, we’ll teach you how to guide athletes through the common challenges of breathing and focus control. Plus, we'll explore additional strategies like muscle relaxation and mental resets to enhance their overall performance.

If you're looking for ways to help athletes unlock the full potential of their breathing techniques, this episode is for you!

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

What if your Go-To Statement doesn't work? What if positive self-talk feels fake, forced, or you just don't believe it? In this episode, we tackle the tough questions athletes face when self-talk strategies seem to fall flat. We dive deep into how to convince the part of your brain wired to fix problems that, yes, you have earned the right to be confident in competition.

You’ll learn practical ways to shift your mindset when self-doubt creeps in, helping you push past those mental roadblocks. It’s not just about repeating feel-good phrases—it’s about backing your self-talk with evidence, preparation, and real effort. We explore how to make your Go-To Statements authentic, so they resonate with you in high-pressure situations, and how to use self-talk to genuinely build confidence, not just cover up anxiety.

Join us as we provide solutions that will help you stay mentally strong and focused, even when doubt tries to take over.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Focus Cycle, exploring what to do when athletes struggle to implement this powerful tool during competition. Coaches, you’ve laid the groundwork, but now it’s time to troubleshoot. Whether your athletes are forgetting to use the Focus Cycle, not taking it seriously, feeling overwhelmed with thoughts, or trying but just not succeeding, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down the most common challenges and provide practical strategies to help athletes regain control of their mind and body in high-pressure situations. If you're looking to fine-tune your mental performance training and equip your athletes to handle the heat of competition, this episode is a must-listen!

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Back in 2014, my head coach, Jake Gilbert, walked into a quarterback meeting where we were doing some mental training. He looked at what we were doing and said, “We have to do this for the entire team.” I remember thinking, I don’t know how to train 130 guys all at once! Little did I know, that conversation would change everything—leading to a book, a podcast, and even a complete shift in my career.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Focus Cycle, which has become the foundation of everything we do with athletes. This is not just a generic approach. It’s a systematic framework that helps you stay aware of what’s happening in high-pressure moments and gives you practical tools to take back control of your mind and body.

If you’ve ever been curious about what mental performance training is all about, or if you’re a coach looking for a better way to train your athletes mentally, this episode is for you. 

GET THE WORKSHEET: mentaltrainingplan.com/focuscycle

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Explore the essential elements of mental toughness in sports with Westfield's head coach, Josh Miracle, in this insightful episode. We delve into the processes and strategies necessary to build a resilient sports program, examining the incremental steps that contribute to a team’s mental fortitude. This discussion not only covers the development of mental training techniques but also highlights their practical application during high-pressure situations and the evolution of team dynamics.

Gain an in-depth understanding of how tailored mental and emotional strategies are implemented for athletes on game days, the role of consistent communication among coaching staff, and the impact of mental discipline when overcoming adversity. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of how mental preparedness shapes not only game performance but also long-term athlete development.

Concluding with a discussion on the continuous importance of mental training, this episode offers valuable insights for coaches and teams looking to enhance their programs with effective mental strategies. We discuss the successes of teams that have integrated these approaches and the resulting shifts in sports culture. Coaches are encouraged to elevate their mental training techniques to foster competitive excellence and holistic athlete growth.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

This episode is a raw tool that Ben started using with a golfer who was not happy with her routine. She felt like her mind was wandering too much during her rounds and the distractions were taking away from her game. At some point this will be cleaned up and polished, but sometimes it is helpful to see the behind the scenes of how you can help an athlete when they say, "I don't think my routine is good enough."

If you do not have any sort of pre shot or post shot routine I would encourage you to go back to the bonus season between Seasons 2 & 3 as this episode will assume that you already have a routine in place.

Here is a link to make a copy of the rubric sheet Ben put together to help evaluate whether her routine completed all of the steps necessary to control her mind and body and put her in the best position for success possible if you would like to use it with your own golfers:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H7vdjPPL1o9UwDtK53Ac0hYKU-LQbJR2CX1_Ls-nHYs/copy

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Have you ever wondered what fuels the relentless drive of athletes and entrepreneurs alike? Dre Baldwin, the mastermind behind Work On Your Game Inc., pulls back the curtain on the power of mental toughness that's essential for triumphing in both arenas. Through the lens of his own transformation from a high school bench player to a professional athlete, Dre explains the pivotal role of discipline and confidence—tools that don't just elevate your game on the court, but can catapult your business ambitions to new heights.

Our conversation with Dre ventures into the contemporary intersection of sports and technology, where the digital age brings both challenges and opportunities. He shares wisdom on navigating the constant hum of social media and the comparisons it invites, offering advice on building a personal fortress of self-belief that stands unshaken amidst the noise. For athletes wrestling with the online world, and coaches steering them towards growth, Dre's insights are a compass for maintaining mental clarity and focus.

As we trace Dre's footsteps into the entrepreneurial sphere, we unravel how the tenets of athletic discipline translate seamlessly into the business playbook. Dre's journey from athlete to thought leader, and the birth of Your Game University, serves as a vivid illustration of how sports-derived principles can reach far beyond the court, fostering high performance in any field. For those captivated by Dre's story and eager to cultivate such a mindset, his transition is not just instructive but inspirational, marking the trail from strategic dribbling to strategic business thinking.

As CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc., Dre Baldwin has given 4 TEDxTalks on Discipline, Confidence, Mental Toughness & Personal Initiative and has authored 33 books. He has appeared in national campaigns with Nike, Finish Line, Wendy's, Gatorade, Buick, Wilson Sports, STASH Investments and DIME magazine. 

• Dre has published over 8,000 videos to 142,000+ subscribers, his content being viewed over 100 million times. 
• Dre's daily Work On Your Game Podcast has over 2,600 episodes and more than 7 million downloads. 
• In just 5 years, Dre went from the end of his high school team's bench to a 9-year professional basketball career. He played in 8 countries including Lithuania, Germany, Montenegro, Slovakia and Germany. 
• Dre invented his Work On Your Game framework as a "roadmap in reverse" to help professionals with mindset, strategy, accountability and execution.
• A Philadelphia native, Dre lives in Miami.

Contact Dre or learn more at: http://DreAllDay.com/

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

When Brad, the mastermind behind the School of Grit, agreed to join us, I knew it was an opportunity to share a profound narrative of human resilience. His journey through the unforgiving Kokoro Camp, where he faced a 50-hour crucible that tested every fiber of his being, isn't just a story of endurance; it's a testament to the transformative power of extreme challenges. Together, we reflect on how these trials reveal character, forge mental toughness, and impart invaluable lessons for tackling life's battles. I also peel back the curtain on my own experiences, revealing how simulated crucible events have reshaped high school football training, turning teenage athletes into embodiments of courage and cooperation.

It's not just about being tough; it's about the relentless pursuit of long-term goals, fueled by a powerful "why." Brad and I lay out tangible strategies to cultivate this trait, from breath control to maintaining a positive mindset and embracing visualization. These are tools not confined to the elite athlete or warrior; they are accessible to anyone. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to infuse their lives with these principles, enhancing their personal and professional journeys with the fortitude that defines success.

Learn more or contact Brad by visiting his website: https://schoolofgrit.org/

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Want to learn more about who Ben is and what Mental Training Plan is all about? This is a great place to start!

Join Ben Carnes on his transformative journey, ignited by a pivotal moment in high school sports in 1999. From struggling to perform under pressure to realizing the power of mental training, Ben's evolution as a coach and mentor took flight. Through coaching experiences, including a humbling defeat in the state championship in 2013, Ben honed the Prime Five method, a groundbreaking approach to mental preparedness for athletes. His dedication bore fruit with unexpected victories, including a state championship win in 2016. Ben's passion for empowering athletes extended beyond football to sports like golf, culminating in the establishment of the MTP Academy in 2024. This journey, chronicled in the Focus Cycle book, reflects Ben's unwavering commitment to helping athletes perform at their best, both on and off the field.

Ben then outlines his vision and mission for Mental Training Plan. Rooted in his experiences and successes, Ben's vision is to revolutionize the mental training landscape, making comprehensive coaching accessible to every athlete worldwide. This ambitious goal serves as the North Star guiding strategic planning and decision-making. Ben's mission is clear: to empower athletes, teams, and coaches with the skills and tools needed to thrive under pressure, overcome challenges, and excel in competition and life. Through customization and accessibility, the MTP Academy aims to provide tailored mental performance coaching that transcends sports and benefits individuals in all aspects of their lives. This mission underscores Ben's commitment to helping athletes perform at their best, regardless of the circumstances, setting a precedent for excellence both on and off the field.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy