The Mental Approach To Youth Sports

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Alan Jaeger, a pioneer in the sporting world known for his contributions to arm care and mental training in youth sports. They discuss the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the need for a balanced approach to physical and mental training. Jaeger emphasizes the significance of mental practice, trust, and neutrality in enhancing per...

Host Todd Arkell brings together Sara Reichenbach and Rob Pallante, two deeply experienced hockey players and mental performance coaches to provide you some assistance to crush that anxiety over tryouts. This conversation delves into the various aspects of tryout anxiety faced by young athletes, particularly in hockey. The discussion highlights the pressures from parents, coaches, and the athletes themselves, and emphasize...

In this conversation, Clint Hurdle shares his journey from a promising baseball career to struggles with alcoholism and eventual recovery. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, service to others, and the lessons learned through personal challenges. Hurdle reflects on his family life, the impact of his children, and the significance of maintaining focus and composure in both parenting and professional settings. In thi...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Will Rogers, a Division I baseball player from the University of Michigan. They discuss Will's experiences in high school and college baseball, as well as his mindset and mental approach to the game. Will shares his journey from being a highly recruited high school player to choosing the college route over pursuing professional baseball. He also talks about the importance of min...

Lucinda Snyder, founder of Peak Flow, discusses the importance of mental performance in youth sports and how she stumbled into this field. She shares her journey of teaching yoga to athletes and the transformative impact it had on them. Lucinda emphasizes the integration of mindfulness and mental performance in sports and how it can benefit athletes beyond the game. She highlights the six pillars of her program, which incl...

Doug Dimma, a former draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays, shares his experience of getting drafted and playing professional baseball. He discusses the difference between the MLB draft then and now, as well as the excitement and challenges of playing for his hometown team. Doug also talks about his journey from playing baseball in Ontario, Canada to playing college baseball in Florida and the importance of having a supporti...

Travis Rogers is a mental performance coach and author of Parenting Athletic Kids. Host Todd Arkell discusses with Travis the common mistakes parents make in youth sports and how to correct them. Travis emphasizes the importance of not adding pressure to youth athletics and focusing too much on outcomes and results. Instead, parents should encourage their children to be present in every moment and enjoy the game. Rogers al...

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell engages with mindset coach Pete Fry and young goalie Everett TK to explore the mental aspects of goaltending. They discuss the importance of visualization, confidence building, and the negative 23% rule, which emphasizes focusing on positive performance rather than mistakes. The conversation also covers pre-game routines and mental preparation techniques that...

Jon Carson, founder of Birdies, Bogies and Beyond and Hurricane Junior Golf Canada shares his journey from being a police officer to a scout to the Phillies, to incorporating mindfulness and breath work into youth sports. He discusses the importance of addressing mental health in emergency service culture and the need for men to seek therapy. John emphasizes the inefficiencies in current programs and the importance of empo...

Host Todd Arkell jokingly refers to this episode as one the kids will hate and the parents will love. Guest Larissa Mills, founder and CEO of the Mental Game Academy, discusses the dangers and challenges of technology overuse in youth sports. She highlights how technology affects sleep, self-esteem, brain chemistry, and focus. Larissa emphasizes the need for parents to take control of their children's phone usage and creat...

Edwar Gonzalez, Newly promoted*, Director, Hitting Development and Special Advisor to the International Scouting Director of the Philadelphia Phillies, discusses his background in baseball and the challenges faced by Latin American players. He emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and the passion for baseball that drives many Latin American players. Gonzalez also shares his philosophy on the mental side of hitting,...

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, Todd Arkell interviews Reggie Calhoun Jr., the founder and president of RPA College Prep and the director of operations for 5430, the Colorado Buffaloes NIL collective. They discuss athlete development, the cycle of change, and the impact of mental health on athletes. They also delve into the concept of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and how it allows college athletes to mon...

Jason Ferber, the founder of Real Ballers National Teams and co-founder of Evolution Events, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Coney Island to becoming a successful coach and social media influencer. He emphasizes the importance of finding confidence and identity through sports, and the impact of coaching on young athletes. Ferber also discusses the mindset and preparation needed for players attending showcases ...

Dr. Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist and executive coach, shares his background and journey into sports psychology and mental performance. He discusses his work with the Toronto Raptors and the importance of mental performance in sports. He also provides insights on when to start working on the mental side of sports, the three questions to become an elite performer, and the commonalities between athletics and busi...

Curtis Peltier, founder of Mindset U, shares his baseball journey and discusses the importance of mindset and mental performance in youth sports. He emphasizes the need to embrace the challenges and small daily tasks that lead to success, rather than focusing solely on the end goal. Peltier also provides advice for young athletes, particularly Canadian players looking to play college baseball in the US. He encourages reali...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Tony Abbatine delve into the intricacies of mental performance coaching in sports, particularly focusing on visual psychology and the importance of seeing versus looking. They discuss the role of mindfulness, open focus training, and the significance of space in enhancing athletic performance. Tony emphasizes the need for athletes to cultivate curiosity and self-awareness, moving away ...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Carlo Colaiacovo (TSN 1050 Broadcaster) discuss mental performance and mindfulness in youth sports. They also touch on Carlo's experience playing in a Memorial Cup run and his transition from playing hockey to a career in broadcasting. Carlo emphasizes the importance of fun and balance in youth sports and advises parents to prioritize their child's enjoyment over excessive training. We...

Todd Arkell interviews Paige Reeve, a mental performance coach at Level Seven High Performance. They discuss Paige's background as a student athlete and her transition from high finance to coaching. They also explore the importance of mental performance in sports and how it prepares athletes for success in all areas of life. Paige shares her process for working with athletes and emphasizes the need for gratitude and self-r...

In this conversation, Jeremy Sheetinger, head coach of Georgia Gwinnett, discusses the importance of mindfulness and mental performance in sports. He shares insights on building a positive and mindful team culture, the impact of mindfulness on player performance, and the value of servant leadership in coaching. Sheets emphasizes the significance of prioritizing mindfulness in daily routines and the impact of selflessness o...