Page 8 - Mental Skills for Coaches

Self-Talk is the inner voice in your head, telling you what to do. Your self-talk impacts with your behaviour, your emotions and how you feel physically
Self-talk refers to the inner dialogue with ourselves which influences how we feel and behave. They are the stories we tell ourselves each day. An athlete can use self-talk in a positive or negative way..
Benefits of self-talk
Better emotional state
Less stress and distress
Managing nerves
Better physical well being
Increased Focus
How to use
1. Overcome negative thinking by consistently practicing positive self-talk. Using a thought checking log to become aware of our negative thoughts and turn them into positive statements Using “I am” or “I will” start to sentences.
2. Focus on areas that you have direct control over and try ignore external factors.
3. Use positive self-talk in training and competition, praise yourself for successful
outcomes and focus on positive statements like ‘next one” for situations that won’t go your way.
Self-talk helps you train your mind to be helpful, especially at the times you need it the most!
- Getting ready for a big competition or game.
- A Key moment in a game, one you know happens or will happen.
- Striving for your goals.
- When your tired, and you need something to kick you on.
- What would you like to hear during competition?
- What will stimulate the performance you need?
- What can you reinforce about yourself?