In a recent poll we did in the Elite Competitor Society, 87% of moms reported that their daughter’s coach does not incorporate mental skills as a part of their training. 

Which is too bad!

But, before you start blaming, it’s not all their fault. 

As much as we expect coaches to be (almost) everything for our daughters, most get into coaching and know one thing: the physical skills.

Most lack their own training on the mental side of the game. They don't feel qualified to teach it or know how to incorporate it into their practices and routines.

Many coaches are left seeing mental training as an afterthought "when their team starts struggling."

In this episode, we'll:

✅ Learn how to spot the difference between a coach or program that teaches mental skills and one that doesn’t

✅ Uncover what you can do to support your athlete if her coach does not prioritize the mental game

✅ Discover how to set your daughter up for success even if she is playing for a coach that has rocked her confidence 

Let's start with how to spot the difference between a program that doesn't teach mental training vs one that does. 

1. Talking about the importance of being mentally tough vs integrating time into practice to teach mental skills
2. Telling them to focus vs giving skills like breath-work, visualization, and routines to help
3. Random books, articles, guest speakers (which is better than nothing!) vs a proven system or someone trained who can work with the team

Regardless of the coach's actions, as the mom you have a couple major things that are in your control in how to build confidence and influence her mental game: shape the environment and provide the opportunities.

Here's what to do if your daughter's coach doesn't prioritize the mental game:

The first thing I want you to focus on is to be her example. 

Your actions are very, very loud.

Think about what mental toughness is. I'm referring to an athlete's ability to respond rather than react to situations. So they can respond and decide how they're going to control their response and what they're going to do rather than just reacting to everything that's going on.

So how can you model these things for your daughter?

Next, encourage what you want to see more of.

When she's encouraging her teammates - point it out.
When she has good body language after a mistake - point it out.
When she takes risks - point it out.

Finally, if your daughter's coach is not teaching the mental side of the game (and really, even if they are), you need to take matters into your own hands.

Get her connected with a program and a community that teaches these skills in a system. This isn't something to wait on.

Don't be like the parents that hope she "picks it up with time." If you're not intentional, it won't happen. The best athletes know how to use the power of their mind to level up and play to their potential. This starts with you providing her the opportunity.

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Helpful Links:

• Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
• Download the free resources we've created for you
• Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

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