In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome 16U Longhorns Associate Coach and Capital Athletic Therapy & Rehab Mental Performance Consultant Jelle Kooijman to discuss mental preparation, the implementation of mental skills and the Maverick Mental Training Program.

 

(1:45) - Why is mental training so important to Frank?

 

(5:06) - Resource: Mental Fitness for LTAD

 

(6:40) - How can a coach start implementing a mental skill in a simple way?

 

(8:48) - Jelle's bio

 

(9:49) - How big is volleyball in the Netherlands?

 

(10:30) - How did Jelle initially become interested in the mental aspect of sports?

 

(12:58) - What did Jelle discover while completing a thesis on self-talk?

 

(15:17) - What brought Jelle to Ottawa, Canada?

 

(16:30) - What did coach Kooijman learn through an internship with Carleton University Women's Soccer team?

 

(21:05) - What is Jelle's coaching philosophy as a Mental Performance Consultant?

 

(25:35) - How important is mental training according to coach Kooijman's and how does he see it implemented ideally?

 

(31:06) - What can a head coach do versus what can a consultant do to help the athletes develop mental skills?

 

(33:00) - Where should a head coach fit in mental training in a season plan or a practice plan?

 

(33:48) - Why is developing critical thinking so important with the athletes before acquiring a mental skill?

 

(36:10) - How often should mental training drills be done?

 

(39:05) - Should coaches use a tracking tool to ensure the mental training exercises are completed?

 

(43:30) - What is the value of journaling as a way to enhance the mental training process?

 

(44:41) - How can mental training still be including during on court practices with 17U and 18U athletes?

 

(46:30) - Why did Jelle choose imagery and self-talk as the primary skills trained within the Maverick Mental Training Program?

 

(48:10) - Could coaches benefit from imagery themselves?

 

(51:38) - In an interview during the Tim Ferriss Show (episode #349), Lebron James indicated self-talk was one of the most important skills he trained frequently, even after many years in the NBA.

 

(53:11) - What can a coach to do help with the implementation of the Maverick Mental Training Program?

 

(56:30) - What resource does Jelle recommend in relation to learning about mental preparation?

 

(57:24) - Resource: Life as Sport, by Jonathan Fader

 

(58:50) - What additional skills will likely be added to the Maverick Mental Training Program in the coming years?

 

(60:27) - Jelle Kooijman can be reached on Instagram at @jwk_mpt, on YouTube at JWK Mental Performance Training or Facebook at JWK Mental Performance Training