How to Boost Athletic Performance: Key Focus Strategies for Athletes and Coaches

In this episode host Valerie Alston explores the crucial role of attentional focus in sports performance. Discover why it's essential to minimize distractions and learn two effective skills to help athletes direct their attention to what's most important. Valerie also provides insights on how parents and coaches can support athletes in maintaining their focus amidst different challenges. Whether you're on the way to practice, a game, or running errands, join Valerie for valuable tips on building mental toughness and fostering strong relationships during your car rides. Don't miss practical advice on creating reset routines and using the 'What's Important Now' (WIN) cue for better performance.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Focus in Sports

00:31 Welcome to Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations

01:09 The Overloaded Brain: Understanding Cognitive Capacity

03:07 The Importance of Skill Automation in Sports

04:34 Managing Cognitive Load: Bandwidth and Attention

05:37 Identifying and Eliminating Distractions

07:41 Two Key Skills: WIN Cue and Reset Routine

10:49 Practical Tips for Parents and Coaches

14:57 Conversation Prompts for Athletes and Parents

18:14 Conclusion and Next Steps

Discussion questions:

1. What are the top 1–2 things you think are most important to focus on in your sport?
2. What’s one distraction that pulls your focus away the most?
3. Which ‘reset routine’ could help you get back on track after a mistake?
4. How can I (as your parent/coach) remind you about ‘What’s Important Now’ without adding pressure?

Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

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Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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