In this episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco tackles the "pressure gap"—a common challenge faced by athletes as they transition from confident practice sessions to anxiety-filled game days. Blasco, a Certified Mental Toughness and Resilience Coach and Certified Neuroscience Coach, unpacks the psychology behind this phenomenon and offers powerful strategies to help athletes bridge the gap and perform at their peak when it matters most.

From understanding the root causes of pre-game jitters to mastering the Four C's of Mental Toughness (Control, Challenge, Commitment, and Confidence), this episode is packed with actionable advice for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to thrive under pressure. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, you'll learn how to reframe your mindset, build resilience, and turn game-day anxiety into a performance advantage.

Key Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction and the power of learning from every experience
• (01:35) Defining the pressure gap: When practice confidence meets game-day anxiety
• (03:38) The Four C's of Mental Toughness: Your framework for peak performance
• (05:11) Commitment: Sticking to your goals despite anxiety
• (07:44) Practical strategies to shrink the pressure gap and boost game-day confidence
• (11:18) Outro: Keep charging forward in your journey

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the pressure gap: Recognize how uncertainty and perceived importance fuel your pre-game anxiety. What intensifies these feelings the most? 
• Master the Four C's: Control, Challenge, Commitment, and Confidence are your pillars for mental toughness
• Practice under pressure: Simulate game-day stress in training to build resilience
• Develop rock-solid routines: Consistent pre-game, in-game, and post-game habits reduce anxiety
• Reframe your mindset: View each game as a learning opportunity, not just a win-or-lose scenario

Resources & Links: 

• Take the MTQ Plus Mental Toughness Assessment: https://chargeforwardcoaching.com/mtq-assessments
• Learn more or book a free discovery call: https://www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
• Follow on Instagram: @chargeforwardcoaching
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/
• Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoaching
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching

Host Bio:

James Blasco is the founder of Charge Forward Coaching and a certified mental toughness and resilience coach and a certified neuroscience coach. He specializes in helping athletes and high performers sharpen their focus, build confidence, and stay composed under pressure. With clients ranging from youth athletes to seasoned pros, James is passionate about helping people show up strong—no matter the arena.

Tags:

pressure gap, sports psychology, game day performance, competitive anxiety, uncertainty in sports, emotional control, life control, commitment in athletics, challenge mindset, confidence building, practice with intent, mental toughness, 4C's of mental toughness, pressure situations in practice, creating challenges, developing routines, reframing experiences, performance anxiety, athlete mindset, game preparation, stress management in sports, sports performance optimization, mental preparation, competitive edge, athlete resilience