How do elite athletes make split-second decisions under pressure? What separates good players from great ones isn’t just skill; it’s how they think.
In episode#42 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah interviews Dr. Scott Goldman, a leading sports psychologist and co-creator of the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ). His groundbreaking work has assisted teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other premier leagues in enhancing their recruitment, development, and training of athletes.
Dr. Goldman shares his philosophy:
“Well-informed people make really good decisions. Performance is the formula of talent times environment. What’s going on within the athlete? What’s happening around them? If we understand both, we can unlock incredible potential.”
This episode breaks down how AIQ measures the mental side of sports, the psychology behind team success, and how cognitive skills apply beyond sports—from firefighting to military operations.
Dr. Goldman also unpacks the emotional toll of being an athlete, how to handle fan criticism, and why mental resilience separates champions from the rest.
In the Lightning Round, he reveals his favorite way to unwind after a long day, offering a candid look into the mindset of a performance expert.
🎧 Listen in to understand the unseen mental game that shapes champions.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Winning Edge: The Power of Athletic IQ
(00:37) Scott’s Journey into Sports Psychology
(05:59) The Challenges of Collegiate Sports Psychology
(08:07) Understanding the Role of Psychology in Sports
(21:39) The Creation and Impact of AIQ
(36:53) How Cognitive Skills Shape Sports Performance
(38:45) Anticipation and Split-Second Decision-Making
(43:44) Handling Pressure Through Mental Preparation
(45:28) Mental Performance vs. Emotional Resilience
(49:58) AIQ's Expansion Beyond Team Sports
(56:31) The Role of Speed in Decision-Making
(01:04:16) Coaching Strategies and Everyday Mental Training
(01:06:25) Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions
(01:14:40) Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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