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Sports Psychology Coaching — Sports
Sports Psychology Coaching

The Sports Psychology Coaching Podcast by Eli Straw is a mental training podcast for athletes, competitors, coaches, and performers who want to improve confidence, focus, and performance under pressure. This podcast teaches practical sports psychology strategies to help athletes overcome fear of failure, performance anxiety, overthinking, and loss of confidence after mistakes so they can trust their training and compete freely.

Each episode covers key mental performance topics, including:
• Sports psychology and mental training for athletes
• How to build confidence in sports
• Overcoming performance anxiety and pressure
• Trusting your training and competing without fear
• Focus, composure, and mental toughness in competition
• Letting go of overthinking and perfectionism
• Visualization, mindfulness, and present-moment performance
• How to perform consistently in games, races, and competitions

Hosted by mental performance coach Eli Straw, this podcast provides simple, practical mental game coaching used with athletes from youth to elite levels. Learn how to stop playing scared, compete with freedom, and unlock your true performance.

If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach looking for sports psychology tips, mental toughness training, and performance mindset strategies, this podcast will help you build the mental skills needed to perform at your best when it matters most.

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

Copyright: © 2024 Sports Psychology Coaching

Latest Episodes:

Mental Coaching for Youth Athletes (Sports Psychology for Kids Explained) Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I explain why mental coaching and sports psychology are so important for youth athletes. I cover the most common mental game challenges young athletes face, including fear of failure, performance anxiety, perfectionism, and negative self-talk.
🧠 Mental Performance Coaching for Youth Athletes:
If your child struggles with confidence, pressure during games, or frustration after mistakes, I work with youth athletes through my 12-week one-on-one mental performance coaching program. Together we build confidence, reduce performance anxiety, and develop the mindset needed to perform freely in competition.
Learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching

In this episode you’ll learn:
• Why mental coaching is important for youth athletes
• The most common mental game challenges young athletes face
• How fear of failure and perfectionism impact performance
• Mental skills that build confidence and emotional control
• Simple tools like self-talk, visualization, and breathing
Additional Resources:
Mental coaching for youth athletes article: https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/sports-psychology-for-kids/mental-coaching-for-youth-athletes/

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

Fear of Failure in Sports: Why Athletes Play Scared (And How to Overcome It) Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Fear of failure in sports causes many athletes to hesitate, play cautiously, and hold themselves back during competition. This fear is rarely about the mistake itself, but about the perceived consequences such as embarrassment, criticism, getting benched, or negative statistics. In this episode, I explain why the fear of failure develops, how it leads to performance anxiety and timid play, and a simple three-step process athletes can use to overcome fear of failure, focus on controllable actions, and compete with greater confidence.
Additional Resources
Fear of Failure in Sports (Full Guide): https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/fear-of-failure-in-sports/overcome-fear-of-failure-in-sports/

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

Practicing Poorly Before a Game? Here’s How Athletes Should Handle It Mentally Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

What should you do if you have a big game, competition, or tryout coming up—but your recent practices haven’t gone well?

This is something I see athletes struggle with all the time. When practices go poorly leading up to a performance, confidence drops. Doubt increases. Athletes begin to question whether they can perform well.

In this episode, I explain how athletes can mentally prepare for competition even when recent training sessions haven’t gone well.

I discuss why many athletes base their confidence on their most recent performance, how that can hurt you mentally going into a game, and what you can do instead to compete with more trust, freedom, and present-moment focus.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Why bad practices before a game can damage confidence
How athletes accidentally use the wrong point of reference before competing
How to mentally reset before a competition or tryout
How visualization can rebuild belief in your ability
Why true confidence is about playing freely, not guaranteeing success

If you’re an athlete who struggles with confidence, performance anxiety, or performing worse in games than in practice, these strategies can help you compete with more composure and trust in your abilities.

I work with athletes from around the world through my 12-week 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program, where I help athletes build confidence, improve focus, and perform better under pressure.

Learn more about mental performance coaching here:
https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

Control the Controllables in Sports | Why Athletes Must Focus on What They Can Control Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Athletes often struggle with anxiety and overthinking because they focus on results, playing time, or other things outside their control. In this episode, I explain why focusing on controllable actions like preparation, response to mistakes, and present-moment thinking improves confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps you perform better under pressure.

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

How to Build Game-Day Confidence Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Game-day confidence isn’t about hyping yourself up. It isn’t about convincing yourself you’re the best player on the field.

It’s about trust.

In this episode, I break down why confidence often disappears during competition — even when you’ve prepared well — and I share a simple three-pillar strategy you can use to build real game-day confidence and perform more freely under pressure.

If you play well in practice but struggle during games, I explain:

Why preparation alone doesn’t guarantee confidence
How fear and anxiety overshadow trust during games
What real confidence actually is
How to shift your focus away from outcomes and onto controllables
The three pillars of building game-day confidence
How to reset quickly after mistakes

I also explain how I help athletes build confidence week by week inside my structured 12-week one-on-one mental performance coaching program.

Confidence isn’t about guarantees.

It’s about learning how to be present, relaxed, and trusting yourself — even when pressure is high.

If you’re ready to stop chasing fake confidence and start playing freely, this episode will give you a clear direction forward.

Learn more about working with me 1-on-1 here:
https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

How to Know If You (or Your Athlete) Need a Mental Performance Coach — or Just More Practice Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

If you (or your athlete) are underperforming during games, you might be asking:

Do we need more practice? Or is this a mental game issue?

In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference between a physical skill problem and a mental performance problem. Because sometimes working harder on mechanics actually makes things worse — especially when pressure, anxiety, and overthinking are the real issues.

You’ll learn:

How to know if performance drops are caused by pressure
Why practice alone doesn’t always fix confidence
The difference between skill development and mental performance training
How anxiety can change mechanics (like with the yips)
Why over-focusing on form can hurt performance
The key question to ask: Does performance change when pressure increases?

If you perform well in practice but struggle in games, this episode will help you understand why.

Mental training doesn’t build skill. It builds the ability to trust your skill under pressure.

If you're an athlete trying to figure out what’s holding you back — or a parent wondering whether your child needs more reps or mental performance coaching — this episode will give you clarity.

If you're interested in learning more about my 12-week mental performance coaching program, you can find the link below.

Share this episode with another athlete or parent who may need it.

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

How to Reset Mentally Between Plays or Points (Simple Routine for Athletes) Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

How do athletes reset mentally between plays or points?

In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains a simple and effective mental reset routine athletes can use between every play, point, or moment in competition. Resetting quickly helps prevent one mistake from turning into many and keeps your focus, confidence, and performance consistent.

In this episode, you will learn:

The 3-step mental reset routine (Release → Refocus → Recommit)
How to let go of the previous play or point quickly
How to refocus your attention in the present moment
How to commit to the next play with a clear intention
Common mistakes athletes make when trying to reset
How to train your reset routine in practice and visualization

This mental reset routine can be used in any sport, including tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf, and is designed to help athletes stay composed, focused, and ready for the next play.

Read the full article on mentally resetting during games:
https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/focus-training-for-sports/how-to-mentally-reset-during-games/

Learn more about 1-on-1 mental performance coaching:
https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

What Athletes Should Do When Their Confidence Depends on Stats and Results Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Many athletes tie their self-confidence directly to stats, wins, and recent performances. When they play well, they feel confident. When they struggle, their confidence drops — and that drop in confidence makes it even harder to turn things around. This creates a frustrating cycle of slumps, pressure, and underperforming.

In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains why confidence tied to results is unstable and how this pattern increases fear of mistakes, stress, and timid play. More importantly, he outlines a clear strategy to help you separate your confidence from outcomes and build belief based on controllable process habits instead.

You’ll learn:

Why confidence that depends on results keeps athletes stuck in slumps
How fluctuating confidence leads to tight, hesitant performance
Why athletes become afraid of their own reaction to mistakes
How to build confidence from preparation, effort, and mindset
How to redefine success during games in a way that stabilizes performance
The mindset shift required to let go of outcomes and reclaim control

If you’re tired of feeling confident only when things are going well, this episode will help you build stable, process-based confidence that holds up under pressure — even during bad games.

For athletes who want deeper support, Eli also shares how his 12-week one-on-one mental performance coaching program helps athletes build lasting confidence and mental resilience.

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

How Athletes Build Positive Self-Talk Habits Before and During Competition Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

What’s the best way for athletes to develop positive self-talk habits before and during games? In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains how your thoughts shape your mindset, emotions, and performance, and how to train your thinking to compete with confidence and freedom.

You’ll learn how negative thought patterns create fear, tension, and hesitant play, and how positive self-talk helps athletes stay confident, focused, and resilient under pressure.

Eli breaks down a simple, practical system for building strong self-talk habits both before competition and during games.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why self-talk directly impacts confidence, emotions, and performance
How to identify and replace negative thought patterns before competition
A simple daily self-talk routine to retrain your mindset
How to use mantras during games to stay calm, focused, and confident
How reframing helps you recover quickly after mistakes
How proactive self-talk keeps your mind positive under pressure
How to stay present and avoid outcome-focused thinking during competition

Positive self-talk is not about “just thinking positive.” It is about training your mind to support your performance, manage fear, and help you compete freely and confidently.

If you want to strengthen your mental game, build confidence, and learn how to control your mindset before and during competition, this episode will give you a clear system to start using immediately.

Eli Straw is a mental performance coach who works with athletes around the world through a structured 12-week mental performance coaching program focused on confidence, composure, focus, and resilience under pressure.

Learn more about 1-on-1 Mental Performance Coaching: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching

Share this episode with an athlete who struggles with negative thinking, fear, or confidence during competition.

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

How to Build a Strong Pre-Performance Routine (Mental Training for Athletes) Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

What is the best way to build a strong, repeatable pre-performance routine as an athlete?
In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains how to create a pre-game mental routine that helps you feel confident, focused, present, and ready to compete. A strong pre-performance routine does not guarantee perfect results, but it gives you a consistent mindset so you can perform at your best under pressure.
You will learn how to identify your ideal competitive mindset, choose the right mental training tools, and build a routine that works for your personality, sport, and level of play. Eli also shares a simple sample pre-performance routine that athletes can begin using immediately.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

What a pre-performance routine is and why it improves consistency
How to develop the right competitive mindset for your personality
The three core goals of a strong pre-game routine: readiness, presence, and letting go
Mental training tools you can use, including mindfulness, breathing, visualization, self-talk, journaling, and controllable goals
A simple, proven pre-performance routine used by athletes across many sports

How routines build confidence, focus, and emotional control during competition
This episode is for athletes who struggle with nerves, inconsistency, pressure, or feeling mentally unprepared before competition and want to develop a reliable mental routine.
Work With Eli Straw (Mental Performance Coaching)

If you want help building your own personalized pre-performance routine and strengthening your mental game, learn more about Eli’s 12-week 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program below.
Inside the program:

Mental game assessment
Personalized mental training plan
Weekly coaching sessions
Mental skills training and exercises
Ongoing support between sessions

Learn more here: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

Work with me!

🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

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