Category: Culture

July 14, 2023 Published by

Experiencing change in any sport can be challenging. Athletes invest their time, energy, and passion into their craft, making transitional events like joining a new team, adapting to a new coach, or moving to a new environment significant moments in their athletic journey. As a coach, it is crucial to understand how these changes can affect athletes and provide the necessary support to help them navigate these transitions successfully. In this article, we will explore five essential tips for coaches to assist their athletes in coping with big changes, fostering team spirit, and creating a positive team culture.

1. Recognize and Address Mental Health for Athletes:

"Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Don't neglect it." - Michael Phelps

Transitioning to a new team or coach can impact an athlete's mental health. Like Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps suggests, it is essential to prioritize mental well-being. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for athletes to express their feelings and concerns. Pay attention to signs of anxiety or stress and provide resources for professional support if needed. By prioritizing mental well-being, coaches can help athletes thrive in the face of change.

2. Facilitate Smooth Transitions:

"Change is not always easy, but with the right support, you can adapt and excel." - Serena Williams

When athletes join a new team or adapt to a new coach, they need guidance and support to navigate the changes. Tennis superstar Serena Williams believes that with the right support, athletes can navigate change successfully. Take proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition by assigning a mentor or a buddy from the existing team to help the newcomer feel welcome and comfortable. Providing orientation sessions and familiarizing athletes with the team's dynamics and expectations can also aid in their adjustment process.

3. Emphasize Team Building and Collaboration:

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." - Michael Jordan

Moving to a new team or working with a new coach presents an opportunity to strengthen team connections. Basketball legend Michael Jordan highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Engage athletes in team building games and activities that encourage collaboration, trust, and camaraderie. Foster an environment where athletes feel united in their pursuit of shared goals. By fostering team spirit, coaches can inspire loyalty and build a cohesive and supportive team.

4. Develop a Positive Team Culture:

"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes." - Usain Bolt

Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping team culture. Sprinting sensation Usain Bolt emphasizes the power of a positive attitude. Encourage a positive and inclusive environment by setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and valuing each athlete's contribution. Promote a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and improvement. A strong team culture helps athletes feel supported and motivated during times of change.

5. Support Stress Management for Athletes:

"I learned that the greatest progress is made when I push through moments of discomfort." - Simone Biles

Change often brings added stress to athletes. Gymnastics icon Simone Biles believes in pushing through moments of discomfort for personal growth. Teach stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, visualization, or mindfulness. Encourage athletes to maintain a balanced lifestyle by emphasizing the importance of rest, nutrition, and self-care. By providing athletes with tools to manage stress, coaches empower them to perform at their best despite the challenges of change.

Managing big changes in sports requires a thoughtful and supportive approach from coaches. By recognizing the impact of change on athletes' mental health, facilitating smooth transitions, fostering team spirit, and promoting a positive team culture, coaches can help athletes cope effectively with transitions. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of athletes, coaches can cultivate an environment that breeds success, loyalty, and resilience. Remember, the most successful coaches are those who empower their athletes to thrive in the face of change and create a lasting legacy of achievement.

Every Winning Team Uses These 4 Core Values

June 6, 2023 Published by
Athletes often face immense pressure and performance anxiety before a big game or competition. While physical training is crucial, mental health and focus play a vital role in achieving peak performance. Incorporating calming meditation techniques into their routine can greatly benefit athletes by promoting mindfulness, reducing stress, and enhancing mental preparation.
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In this article, we will explore three effective meditation techniques that athletes can try before the big game to optimize their mental performance and overall well-being.

  1. Mindfulness Meditation: Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness

Mindfulness meditation is a powerful technique that helps athletes develop present-moment awareness and mental clarity. By focusing their attention on the present rather than dwelling on past performances or worrying about future outcomes, athletes can better manage performance anxiety and improve their mental focus during the game.

To practice mindfulness meditation, find a quiet space and sit comfortably. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath, feeling the sensation of each inhalation and exhalation. As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently return your focus to the breath. Start with short sessions of 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you progress.

The benefits of mindfulness meditation extend beyond the sports arena. As LeBron James, the NBA superstar, once said, "Meditation is me-time. It's a chance for me to reflect on what I've done and what's ahead." By embracing mindfulness, athletes can cultivate a calm and focused mindset that positively impacts their mental health and performance.

Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time beach volleyball Olympic champion, uses mindfulness meditation by focusing on her breath.  She also uses gratitude mediation to think about three things she is grateful for every morning.


  1. Visualization Techniques: Harnessing the Power of Imagination

Visualization is a potent tool used by many successful athletes to enhance their performance. By vividly imagining themselves executing flawless movements, achieving their goals, and succeeding in the game, athletes can enhance their confidence and create a mental blueprint for success.

Before the big game, find a quiet space and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. Visualize yourself performing at your best, feeling the adrenaline, and experiencing the joy of success. Engage all your senses to make the visualization more vivid and compelling. See yourself making accurate shots, hear the cheering crowd, and feel the exhilaration of victory.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, utilized visualization extensively. He once said, "I visualized each morning and night. Visualization helped me prepare my mind and body for the race ahead." By incorporating visualization techniques into your pre-game routine, you can optimize your mental preparation, boost confidence, and improve sports performance.


  1. Guided Meditation: Nurturing Inner Peace and Relaxation


Guided meditation is an excellent technique for athletes seeking relaxation, stress management, and mental rejuvenation. By listening to a guided meditation session, athletes can follow the soothing voice and instructions to achieve deep relaxation and release tension from their body and mind.

Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Use headphones if available, and choose a guided meditation specifically designed for athletes or relaxation. Let the soothing voice guide you through deep breathing exercises, body scans, and positive affirmations. Allow yourself to let go of any worries or distractions, and embrace a state of calmness and tranquility.

Novak Djokovic, the tennis champion, has emphasized the significance of guided meditation in his life. He stated, "Meditation has brought me calmness and clarity, both on and off the court." By incorporating guided meditation into their routine, athletes can enhance their mental well-being, reduce stress, and perform at their peak during crucial moments.

In the world of sports, mental health and performance are intricately connected. Athletes who prioritize their mental well-being and incorporate meditation techniques into their routine gain a competitive edge by reducing performance anxiety, enhancing focus, and promoting overall wellness.

By practicing mindfulness meditation, athletes can develop present-moment awareness and combat negative thoughts. Visualization techniques allow them to create a mental blueprint for success, boosting confidence and motivation. Guided meditation provides relaxation, stress management, and a profound sense of inner peace.

As athletes like LeBron James and Michael Phelps have publicly discussed, mental health, wellness, and mindfulness are vital components of success. By embracing these techniques and nurturing their mental well-being, athletes can optimize their performance and achieve their goals, both on and off the field.

So, before the big game, take a few moments to calm your mind, visualize success, and find inner peace through meditation. Your mental health and performance will thank you for it.

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Coaching the Coach Part 2

December 22, 2022 Published by

Your ideas keep coming and they are fantastic. This is the next installment of our feature on Coaches Helping Coaches.  Keep sharing and keep believing.

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Advice for New Coaches

 

  • Keep encouraging students every day to be their best. Ask parents for help- food/banquet organization- many love helping! Thank parents for their efforts– they have given a lot for their athletes to be where they are.
  • Comparison is the thief of joy. Stay present in this moment with the team in front of you.
  • Follow through always. Be a student to your sport, and always remember your why. The athletes are always the priority. If they enjoy what they do, then they care. When they care, they perform their best.
  • Believe in your worth and see the growth of your players. That’s the reward that nobody can take away.
  • Support students in areas outside of your sport. If students are also in activities, work really hard to create an environment that supports success and dedication in all areas.
  • Put in the time. It pays off. It’s hard work but worth it. You may not reach them all, but if one life is bettered, you’ve made a difference. That’s why we do what we do.
  • Never stop learning! There’s always going to be something new–new coaching theories, new ways to teach a skill, new technology to enhance your coaching. Keep what works great for you, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try out something new.
  • The best advice I have for younger coaches is to choose the thing that you do very well and do that to the absolute best of your ability. If you are best in building community…do that to the best of your ability; if it is develop strategies…do that to the best of your ability. That one thing, whatever it may be, is what will set you aside from everyone else.
  • Build a family type of atmosphere where kids feel as one–welcomed, cared for, positive influence, pushed to do and be their best.  Then great things will come your way as a team/program. Some of the best Championship teams were not because they were the most talented but the way they loved and pushed each other like family.
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New Coaching Challenges

 

  • Not really a new challenge but parents and crowd members are a consistent challenge for coaches. The way that some fans behave at the game is so far from showing sportsmanship that it’s sad. I’ve also noticed a rise in the number of parents that want to “coach” their kids from the stands. It’s disheartening to see how many student athletes are affected by or even quit their sports because of this; all they want from their parents is encouragement.
  • Social media and the fact that everything is recorded. Coaching decisions are constantly being second guessed, especially if you lose a game.  Kids also want immediate results.  They struggle with understanding that results take time
  • I’ve been coaching for 38 years. In my early years, I found players to be tougher skinned than the players I coach today. I’ve had to change my ways to accommodate these personalities. 
  • I’ve been coaching for 20+ years now, and I see a lot more of “Me” instead of “We”, and a lot less commitment to their teammates. Athletes are so committed to their social media followings of people they don’t know that they neglect their teammates who are actually in front of their face. I sometimes have to take our athletes’ cell phones during practice and lock them in a box to keep them off their phones. It’s crazy.
  • Getting kids to be willing to care about others more than themselves when playing the game. Getting them motivated to push each other in a positive manner rather than ridicule each other for mistakes that happen during a game.

 

 

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Leadership Development Exercises

 

  • I think that having student-athletes contribute back to the community that supports them is huge. My philosophy follows the motto “On the Mat. Off The Mat.” I want these young men and women to be able to be positive leaders in more ways than in the wrestling room. So, we have weekly challenges:  one week may be to make sure that you thank someone for something that they normally would not call out, another is to do something for their guardians without being asked or do something nice for someone in school that you don’t know. They then have to report back to the team about what they are learning in the process.
  • Challenge up. With cheer it might be easier than with other sports but give the athletes a chance to challenge for a desired spot in the front row. The challenger chooses a person that is in their desired position. The two athletes compete against each other in a skill for that position and the winner gets that spot during the following event. It keeps the veteran athlete on their toes, so they don’t assume they have a spot just because they did the previous time, and the younger athlete has a goal. For both, it also teaches good sportsmanship. We only do this once per week (usually on Mondays) and IF an athlete loses their front row position, they can challenge for it the following week.

One of the activities that I have done with teams is to have them create a list of 10 things good teams do. They break off into pairs and regroup every two minutes until as a team they have completed their top 10 list. From that top 10 list, they must separate into two categories: what they already do well and what they need to work on. From the list of things, they need to work on, each player chooses one statement that they will personally address. Then, they must each come up with one related thing that they can do in that practice/game/week to improve.

Coaches Helping Coaches

December 16, 2022 Published by

As part of our salute to coaches this fall, we posed several questions to our community.  We received great ideas. Here is a sampling of insights from coaches in field hockey, baseball, basketball, football, and dance.  We will feature more insights in coming weeks and welcome additional thoughts as you close out 2022 and gear up for 2023.

Favorite leadership development exercises for your team

  1. Setting and achieving goals: We have always taken a day at the beginning to set a personal goal for each player. We then find accountability partners. We set aside time at least once per week to meet with our accountability partners to track our goal progress and make a plan for attainment.
  1. The Marshmallow challenge:  Where each group is given 20 raw pieces of spaghetti, 1 yard of string, and one yard of masking tape, to build the tallest free-standing structure that can hold the whole marshmallow on the top. Communication starts happening. Doers are separated from thinkers. They all have to work together in order to win.
  1. Alternating leaders: As a dance team coach, we spend a large portion of time conditioning and stretching. Every week, my team switches off who leads warm ups/stretches. I give them a skeleton of a plan and the order it has to go in. They have to fill in all the details–music, exercises, etc.–and then they lead it and teach it to the rest of the team. This gives everyone an opportunity to show and improve their leadership skills in a safe, judgment-free zone.
  1. The first thing we have them do is write an essay telling why they think they should be chosen as our leader and what ideas they have that they would bring that would make us both closer as a team and better performers overall.
  1. I have a weekly meeting with my leaders. We have a step-by-step process for our team to select their leaders (I do not select them). Then I meet with them weekly to discuss the team, areas of concern, plans for the coming week, input on our practice plans, etc. I also allow them to meet with the 3-5 players that are in their group daily. They can communicate and direct these groups of players. That way, they are not trying to lead the entire team, just the players in their particular group.
  1. Volunteer work

New Challenges in Coaching Today

  1. Lack of resiliency from both athletes and parents.
  1. Time. People have a hard time respecting the good amount of time it takes to truly be good at something. My biggest struggle is parents – we never please them all… and the ones that aren’t happy always make it known. Dealing with parents is the most challenging part of coaching, in my opinion.
  1. The stigma behind mental health and athletes is still very strong. Athletes usually have a mindset that they can’t have bad days, they can’t break down or not get something right away. This is so false. Mistakes need to happen to grow as a player and a team. Bad days happen and we have to honor them, accept them, and grow from them.
  2. I believe that social media and the related need for instant gratification is a bigger challenge today than it has ever been before. They see success by their peers or other people their age and believe that it should be that way for everyone.
  1. Parental overreach, lack of empathy to diversity, apathy in general.

Advice for New Coaches

  1. Get to know your players! Don’t be afraid to set aside some time during practice for bonding activities. Building coach-player rapport is crucial to a players performance and a coaches dedication. Building those relationships and being an adult mentor figure in a player’s life could be the simple gesture they need to follow their dreams.
  1. Communication is key! Recognize that every coach for every sport has different ideas and different ways of doing things. If something doesn’t go well or go the right way or how you envisioned it, don’t beat yourself up over it and most importantly don’t give up!!! Just try to do better the next time.
  1. Keep it fun and remember the WHY. WHY you loved the sport. WHY you decided to coach.
  1. As long as you are helping kids work to attain their goals, teaching them to love the process, and teaching them how to be a good person, then you are doing your job. Do not listen to the noise. There will be a lot.
  1. Yes, you have to deal with all the stuff that is not fun–the paperwork, the officials, etc. and all the negative stuff, but remember what you get to do on a day to day basis. You get to help kids in the game they enjoy, become better at their sport and become better humans! You, as their coach, will have a much different relationship with these players than anyone else! You have a chance to really have an impact in how these young people turn out!
  1. Take your focus off wins and losses. Focus your attention on being a great leader and building quality relationships with your players. Stay true to the process of just being the best you; and the wins will take care of themselves.

Team Leadership Activity Helps Provide Clear Direction

October 7, 2022 Published by

 

Developing leaders on a team takes vision, perspective, and practice. At Sport Fuels Life, we recognize the potential great leaders have to generate a team’s positive results. In order to help build the best leaders on your team, we are sharing a team leadership activity that one of our coaches has used successfully.  It can be done in a group or individually. 

A vision can be thought of as a tool to create a roadmap to follow passions and achieve some of our wildest dreams. Speaking goals into existence is the first step to achieving them. Having others hold you accountable to those goals is the next step. Have your team complete the following activity to get a clear vision.

  1. Write down three goals for yourself this year.

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2.

3.

  1. Write down three goals for your team this year.

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2.

3.

Perspective can be thought of as a lens to inspire new ideas and ways of doing things, as well as empathy for better understanding others. The right perspective is important to generate the right attitude, especially when reacting to unforeseen events. Complete the following activity to see how you can continue to grow your perspective.

  1. What are three ways you can broaden your own experiences to help you get to where you want to be? (i.e. volunteer, tutor, internship, connect with a coach, coffee with someone you admire, etc.)

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2.

3.

Leadership involves others. It sets the direction and tone for a team or group to achieve the same goal. How can you win as a team if you are not all on board and committed to the same goal? 

The beauty of a team is everyone brings different strengths and weaknesses to the table. Find a time to share answers among your team to learn more about one another, zero in on that unified team goal, and develop an action plan.  And be sure it includes a huge emphasis on fun!

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Delayed Gratification Has a Position on Your Team

September 9, 2022 Published by

By Sport Fuels Life Contributor, Athlete, and Coach Megan Houston

 

The rush that you feel when scoring the game-winning goal or hitting a new personal best time in a race are moments that we live for in sports. The joy of celebrating a stellar performance with a team is the reward for hard-earned labor to get to that point. While these moments are fun, we all know that they don’t happen overnight or without a little bit of challenge. That’s what makes them so much sweeter!

This is also called delayed gratification–a concept that many elite athletes and coaches understand and embrace. Athletes must sacrifice to achieve. Many times, the higher the level of play, the longer it takes to reap the reward. It may take a committed athlete a couple of years of steady effort to improve their personal best mark by just one centimeter at a time. 

Putting in dedicated hours of training each week over the course of the season prepares us for optimal performance. It may seem repetitive or can be a grind some days more than others. Keeping the end goal in sight and appreciating the growth process are keys in propelling athletes through the tough times to realize individual and team goals.

As the start of a new season approaches, fall in love with the process of getting better one day at a time, no matter what that looks like. See the big picture and embrace the difficult parts of training as well as the fun parts. It’s a process; fortunately, it’s rewarding and fun! 

Related Quote

As we watch the dynamic play at the U.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe stadium, we are reminded of this quote from the tennis legend and extraordinary individual who inspired so many.  Maybe he too was thinking about delayed gratification.

“You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.”

-Arthur Ashe

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Unleashing Superpowers with Coach, Author, and Speaker Kate Leavell

September 2, 2022 Published by

 

Successful NCAA lacrosse coach, author, and speaker Kate Leavell knows what it takes—as a coach, parent of an athlete, and leadership expert—to embody positivity, communicate openly, and embrace diversity.  

She demonstrates these concepts in actionable ways in her new book, Superpower:  An Inspiring Story to Overcome Self-Doubt and Unleash Your Authentic Greatness, a fable for any age.  

She moves beyond buzz words to discuss real life experiences plus provide exercises and games that can make a difference for individuals and teams.  Her first book was Confessions of an Imperfect Coach; she also co-authored Stick Together with bestselling author Jon Gordon. 

Sport Fuels Life is delighted to share her superpowerful insights. 

To Learn more about Kate, visit her website at kateleavell.com or follow her on Instagram @coachleavell or Twitter @ kateleavell.

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Sean Swarner Redefines the Impossible

May 13, 2022 Published by

 

Sean Swarner’s story of healing, hope, and triumph reflects the essence of Sport Fuels Life.  Enjoy this incredible and inspiring conversation. 

Get ready to be inspired

Sean talks about how to motivate yourself, overcome your personal conflict, and reach your personal Everest.

With only one functioning lung, a prognosis of fourteen days to live, and being in a medically-induced coma for a year, Sean Swarner is the first cancer survivor to stand on top of the world… Mt. Everest. Sean has broken through defined human limitations in order to redefine the way the world views success.

To learn more about Sean, visit his website at www.seanswarner.com.

Facebook:  @sean.swarner |  Instagram: @seanswarner |    Twitter:  @seanswarner

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Insights on Confidence, Culture, and Coaching Help Create Winning Teams

April 28, 2022 Published by

Sport Fuels Life’s world-class baseball clinic still offers inspiration and insights for all athletes.  Check out these videos for tips that can make a difference in your game.

 

3 Principles for Setting Great Team Cultures & Developing Athletes

Challenges of Recruiting 

Tips for Running Effective, Efficient & Creative Practices

Building Confidence In Your Athletes

Gifts of Coaching & Qualities of a Great Teammate

Jeff Johnson (AD And Head Coach Chipola College), Billy Godwin (UNCG Head Coach), Jeff Petty (Canes Head Coach), Mike Fox (UNC Retired Head Coach), & Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina Head Coach)

How Coaches Inspire and are Inspired:  Learn from All Star Coaches

April 22, 2022 Published by

What can all coaches learn from an all-star panel of baseball coaches?  The answer is simple—a great deal.  That was our conclusion after reviewing the highlight reel from last year’s virtual baseball clinic.  If you are interested in the power and potential of relationships, team culture, leadership, character and competing, comprehensive player development and more—this one is for you. 

 

Tips for Creating Winning Team Cultures

Secrets to Coaching Success

Relationships with Players & Coaching Staff

How to Build Mentally Tough Athletes & How to Handle Adversity & Failure

Jeff Johnson (AD And Head Coach Chipola College), Billy Godwin (UNCG Head Coach), Jeff Petty (Canes Head Coach), Mike Fox (UNC Retired Head Coach), & Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina Head Coach)

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