Eric D. Capehart’s Post

Three ideas for sports competitors and sports coaches… One… People talk about the importance of ‘heart’ in sport… ‘Heart’ = motivation, commitment, or resilience and is mediated by: -game understanding (knowledge-about and knowledge-of the game) -mood -confidence and belief -social situation (familial pressures) -anxiety and stress -neural factors that distract (eg ambient neural activity…the noise in the brain) -biopsychosocial factors such as the brain’s orientation towards reward and threat -the difficulty of self-control -sensitivity to pain (relationship with injury) -mental skill …to name a few ‘Heart’ is neither obvious nor easy to interpret…but can be worked on every day In every activity in every session and through appropriate Psychologically Informed Environments ****************************************** Two… 2 ways to reduce anxiety in sports performance: 1. Take outcome and performance away from- focus on a process that involves specific, controllable actions (e.g. constantly looking for space; get in-between the defenders;) and a mindset plan (e.g. positive self-talk and great body language non-stop) 2. Link outcome with performance with mindset process - “I really want to win so I know my job is to perform to the best of my ability on the day. This means I have to stick to my mindset process. Constantly look for space and get in-between the defenders. Use my self-talk when I need it and keep my body language positive. These will help me perform my best possible game and contribute to the outcome” Outcome - Performance - Mindset ****************************************** Three… Ambitious sports competitors should focus on themselves… They should focus on mastery and mindset… 1. Mastery: always looking to learn and develop. To be a student of THE game and a student of THEIR game 2. Mindset: always looking to develop and maintain a High Performance Mindset when competing To reduce anxiety in the development process, players would do well to focus on mastery and mindset every day!

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR A SPORTS TEAM ⚽️🏀🏉🏑🏏🥍🏐🎽 WHAT IS IT? Infinite Evolution & Passion Fit Coaching are offering one sports team a unique opportunity in 2024 and 2025. THE GOAL: Facilitate behavioural development of players (potentially coaches & leaders too) in such a way that they are guided to a higher functioning version of themselves, a version that is able to unlock ever higher levels of their potential both consistently and sustainably. This will improve team & individual performance, club culture and player & coach wellbeing. The goal is not to be involved in the specific development of the team’s playing oriented process & tactical objectives. HOW: Engage with players (and coaches) using workshops, player 121s, small group engagements and virtual seminars leading to wider individual & team development using our unique behavioural coaching techniques, the same approach we use to develop Ironman Triathlon champions and corporate coachees. (Fitness coaching support also available, see below) WHEN: For the remainder of 2024 and 2025. COST: There will be no cost to the team we choose to work with. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?: A team who compete at national league level, one tier below or equivalent competitive league. A hockey team is preferable as we have direct & extensive experience of this sport, so this removes some barriers to developing some of our understanding of the team’s needs, however teams in other sports will benefit significantly from the input we are offering. A local team is also preferable as direct contact with players will be of high value. Local may mean up to 60mins travel time from our location in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. The team we work with can be a ladies or mens team, however, a ladies team would be preferable, reasons for this can be discussed in more detail on application, but the this feature is not essential. A small number of players maybe be offered the opportunity to take advantage of our full coaching scholarship. Scholarship coachees receive the full service our client coachees receive. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: As experienced team sport fitness coaches, personal trainers and endurance athletes we are also able to offer support with the development of the player physical conditioning. This support can be provided inline with the specific goals of the lead coaching staff of the team and focused on sport specific development. Players will also have the opportunity to be coached at our studio in Cheltenham as part of their fitness development. WHAT IS IN IT FOR US?: We will gain experience of applying behavioural coaching framework, already tested and proven with individual athletes as well as in team & individual corporate environments, to a performance focused sports team environment. If you are a member of a sports team as a player, coach, manager or other club member and you feel this could be of value, reach out to us. #sport #coaching #performance #development #team

Does your company have the tools to hire and retain young adults – especially those of color? Read about how Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) joined our #GenWork program and the difference it made in how they support and grow their young talent. Learn more about how you can join our next Generation Work cohort by emailing May Anthony at manthony@carachicago.org. #LetsGetToWork #Chicago #InclusiveEconomy #DEI

Three ideas for sports competitors and sports coaches… One… People talk about the importance of ‘heart’ in sport… ‘Heart’ = motivation, commitment, or resilience and is mediated by: -game understanding (knowledge-about and knowledge-of the game) -mood -confidence and belief -social situation (familial pressures) -anxiety and stress -neural factors that distract (eg ambient neural activity…the noise in the brain) -biopsychosocial factors such as the brain’s orientation towards reward and threat -the difficulty of self-control -sensitivity to pain (relationship with injury) -mental skill …to name a few ‘Heart’ is neither obvious nor easy to interpret…but can be worked on every day In every activity in every session and through appropriate Psychologically Informed Environments ****************************************** Two… 2 ways to reduce anxiety in sports performance: 1. Take outcome and performance away from- focus on a process that involves specific, controllable actions (e.g. constantly looking for space; get in-between the defenders;) and a mindset plan (e.g. positive self-talk and great body language non-stop) 2. Link outcome with performance with mindset process - “I really want to win so I know my job is to perform to the best of my ability on the day. This means I have to stick to my mindset process. Constantly look for space and get in-between the defenders. Use my self-talk when I need it and keep my body language positive. These will help me perform my best possible game and contribute to the outcome” Outcome - Performance - Mindset ****************************************** Three… Ambitious sports competitors should focus on themselves… They should focus on mastery and mindset… 1. Mastery: always looking to learn and develop. To be a student of THE game and a student of THEIR game 2. Mindset: always looking to develop and maintain a High Performance Mindset when competing To reduce anxiety in the development process, players would do well to focus on mastery and mindset every day!

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Stage 5: Train to Compete (ages 15-18 female and 16-18 male) "Train to Compete" is a phase within athlete development models where athletes focus on refining their skills, enhancing their physical conditioning, and preparing for competitive events. It typically occurs after the foundational stages of development and before the highest level of competition. 1. Physical Development a. Specialization- They focus on refining sport-specific skills, techniques, and tactics relevant to their event or position. b. Strength and Conditioning- Training becomes more intense and structured, with a focus on building strength, power, speed, etc. specific to the demands of the sport/ position. Strength training programs are tailored to individual athletes' needs and goals to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. c. Periodization- Coaches implement periodization strategies to optimize training throughout the year. This involves planning training phases (e.g., preparation, competition, transition) to coincide with the athlete's competitive calendar and peak performance at key events. Training is organized into cycles, with periods of intense training followed by rest and recovery to avoid overtraining and injury. e. Nutrition and Recovery: Athletes learn the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies to support their training, performance, and overall health. They work with nutritionists and sports science professionals to optimize their diet and lifestyle choices. 2. Mental Development a. Goal Setting- Athletes set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide their training and competition objectives. Goals may include achieving personal bests, winning championships, or earning selection to national or international teams. b. Focus and Concentration- Athletes develop mental skills to enhance focus, concentration, and resilience during training and competition. They learn techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and self-talk to maintain optimal performance under pressure. c. Psychological Support- Coaches and parents provide psychological support to help athletes cope with the demands of high-level competition, manage stress, etc. Athletes may work with sports psychologists or counselors to address performance anxieties and confidence issues. 3. Challenges a. Injury Risk- The intense training and competition schedule increase the risk of overuse injuries and burnout. Athletes must prioritize injury prevention through proper warm-up, cool-down, recovery strategies, and workload management. b. Balancing Commitment- Balancing training, competition, academics, career aspirations, and personal life can be demanding. Athletes must develop time-management skills and prioritize self-care. #sports #sportscommunity #sportsindustry #youthsports #youthathletes #traininganddevelopment #youthtraining Hrushikesh Mulayy Ramalinga Reddy Gundlapally Megg Reddy

Note to self, and anyone else that needs it. It never gets easier, we just get better at handling the hard. The work is the work, whether it is learning a new playbook and developing a new culture, or building a business and developing a new team, it’s all been hard and going to stay that way. Ignoring that voice that’s telling us we aren’t good enough and that it can’t be done is hard. Staying in the gym and prioritizing our fitness is hard. Eating what we know we need to eat instead of what we want to eat is hard. Choosing between our priorities is hard. Being consistent is hard. None of it gets easier, but the more we do it, the better we get at it. So get up, pick it up, and step it up. Not because it will get easier but because it will make us better. #ontheballpresident #traininganddevelopment #personaldevelopment #profesionaldevelopment

"Train to Compete" signifies a crucial phase in athlete development models, occurring after foundational stages and preceding the apex of competition. At this stage, athletes hone their skills, refine physical conditioning, and gear up for competitive events. Specialization in their chosen sport becomes paramount, as they delve into advanced training methods and partake in competitions which span local, regional, national, and even international levels. The aim is optimizing performance to achieve success in competitive arenas while prioritizing holistic athlete development and well-being for sustained excellence. . . . . . . . #sports #sport #sportscommunity #sportscoaching #sportsperformance #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz #youthdevelopment #youthtraining #youthathletes #youthtraining #youthsports #trainwithpurpose #traininganddevelopment #sportsindustry

✨The Power of Connecting with Like-Minded Professionals Connecting with right-minded individuals can be a game-changer in any industry. Recently, I had the privilege to sit down with a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique insights from different perspectives and industry expertise. It's surprising that many in the fitness industry are hesitant to connect or share insights with other experts. Whether you’re a personal trainer, a yoga instructor, or a gymnastics coach, you’d be amazed at how much we all have in common. Our ultimate goal is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. In our recent meeting, the exchange of ideas was incredibly enriching. By being open and honest with each other, we not only broadened our understanding but also discovered innovative approaches to our work. This collaboration is crucial for our growth and the betterment of the industry. Let’s challenge ourselves to break down the barriers and build bridges within our professional community. Together, we can create a more holistic approach to fitness and well-being, ultimately benefiting those we seek to help. . . . #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #FitnessIndustry #Collaboration #HealthyLiving #OpenMindset #IndustryInsights . . . #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #FitnessIndustry #Collaboration #HealthyLiving #OpenMindset #IndustryInsights

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Stage 4: Train to Train (ages 11-15 female & ages 12-16 male) The "Train to Train" stage in the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model is a critical phase in the development of young athletes. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 11-15 for females and 12-16 for males. During this phase, athletes transition from the fundamental movement skills learned in earlier stages to more sport-specific skills and training. 1. Physical Development a. Athletes undergo rapid growth and physical changes during puberty. Coaches should monitor growth rates and provide appropriate training adjustments to accommodate these changes. b. Focus is on developing overall athleticism, including strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Strength training can be introduced using bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and light weights with a focus on proper technique and safety. 2. Technical Development a. Athletes refine and enhance their fundamental sport-specific skills acquired in previous stages. b. Coaches provide structured drills, repetition, and feedback to help athletes master these skills. Video analysis can be beneficial in identifying areas for improvement and refining technique. 3. Tactical Development a. Athletes begin to understand the tactical aspects of their sport, including game strategies, positioning, and decision-making. Coaches introduce basic team concepts and systems of play. b. Small-sided games and modified competitions are used to teach tactical awareness and encourage creative problem-solving according to their sport. 4. Mental Development a. Mental skills training becomes more important during this stage. Athletes learn about goal-setting, concentration, visualization, and relaxation techniques to enhance performance and manage competition pressure. b. Coaches foster a positive and supportive training environment that promotes confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Athletes are encouraged to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. 5. Lifestyle and Social Development a. Athletes develop a deeper commitment to their sport and training regimen. They learn about the importance of nutrition, hydration, rest, and recovery in supporting their athletic performance. b. Coaches emphasize the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect for opponents, officials, and teammates. Athletes also learn time management skills to balance academics, training, etc. 6. Competition a. Athletes participate in a variety of competitions, including local, regional, and possibly national-level events. The focus is on skill development, learning, and enjoyment rather than solely on winning. b. Coaches provide guidance on competition preparation, goal-setting, and post-competition reflection to help athletes learn from their experiences and continue their overall development. #youthtraining #youthdevelopment #traininganddevelopment #sportscommunity #sports Hrushikesh Mulayy Ramalinga Reddy Gundlapally

🏋️🧠SPORTS – Mentals Skills vs. Physical Ability While physical ability is crucial for success in sports, mental skills are equally important, if not more so in certain situations. What does sports psychology generally say? 🤝  Complementing Physical Skills: Mental skills enhance physical skills. Athletes may have similar physical abilities, but those with stronger mental skills often perform better under pressure, showing that mental prowess can be a differentiator. 🚀 Consistency and Performance Under Pressure: Mental skills help athletes perform consistently, especially under high-pressure situations. An athlete's ability to manage stress, stay focused, and remain composed can significantly impact their performance. 🤕 Overcoming Adversity: Mental resilience and toughness enable athletes to overcome setbacks, injuries, and defeats. These skills are crucial for long-term success and career longevity in sports. 📈 Peak Performance: Sports psychologists argue that peak performance is achieved when there's a balance between physical training and mental conditioning. Athletes who only focus on physical skills may not reach their full potential. 🔎 Focus and Concentration: In high-level sports, the ability to maintain focus and avoid distractions is often what separates the best from the rest. This is a mental skill that is essential for success. 📍 Motivation and Goal Setting: Mental skills like motivation and goal setting are key drivers for continuous improvement. They guide athletes in their training regimes and help them strive for greater achievements. 😨 Coping with Anxiety and Nervousness: The ability to manage anxiety and nerves, particularly in big competitions, can greatly affect an athlete's performance. Mental training helps athletes develop techniques to control these emotions. 🧠 Mental Rehearsal and Visualization: Techniques like visualization are used to mentally prepare for competition, which can improve confidence and performance. ☺️ Injury Recovery: Mental skills also play a significant role in injury recovery. Athletes with a positive mindset and mental fortitude often recover more quickly and effectively. 🎢 Enjoyment and Longevity: Mental skills help athletes maintain their passion and enjoyment in their sport, which is important for longevity in any athletic career. In summary, sports psychology recognizes that while physical skills are essential for athletic performance, mental skills are equally important. They not only complement physical abilities but can also be the critical factor in achieving peak performance, especially at the elite level. Are you looking for a tool wich gives you the words to talk and helps you to develop skills that optimize your sporting performance? At dobetr.com we recognize the importance of mental performance! Find out how #PACE unleashes athlete's hidden potential! #dobetr #sportsperformance #sportspsychology #mentalskills