🧠 Mental & Emotional Signs

• Overthinking or analysis paralysis during games or practices
• Negative self-talk, like “I always mess up” or “I’m not good enough”
• Difficulty letting go of mistakes, leading to spirals in performance
• Fear of failure or a fixation on outcomes over effort
• Burnout or loss of joy in the sport, even if they're performing well

😤 Stress & Pressure Responses

• Avoidance of competition or key moments—playing small or passive
• Overtraining to the point of injury, trying to "control" outcomes
• Anger or frustration outbursts when things go wrong
• Performance anxiety—nausea, panic, or freezing up under pressure
• Struggles with confidence after a poor performance or injury

📉 Inconsistency in Performance

• Excels in practice but underperforms in competition
• Inconsistent motivation, swinging between extreme focus and disengagement
• Difficulty with focus and concentration, especially under pressure or fatigue

🧩 Team & Identity-Related Issues

• Identity tied only to sport, leading to distress after losses or injuries
• Trouble communicating with coaches or teammates
• Challenges balancing personal life, academics/work, and sport

A mental performance coach helps athletes:

• Reframe self-talk
• Set process-focused goals
• Build pre-performance routines
• Develop coping strategies for pressure
• Reconnect with purpose and joy in the sport