Mental performance coaching, also known as sports psychology or peak performance coaching, has become increasingly popular in recent years, with athletes, business professionals, and performers seeking out these services to improve their mental toughness and achieve their goals. The question is, does it work?

In this blog post, we will examine the research supporting the effectiveness of mental performance coaching.

What is mental performance coaching?

Mental performance coaching is a type of coaching that focuses on improving an individual's mental skills, such as focus, motivation, confidence, and resilience. Mental performance coaches use a variety of techniques, such as visualization, goal-setting, and self-talk, to help their clients overcome mental barriers and achieve peak performance.⁽¹⁾

Mental performance coaching can be used in various contexts, from sports to business to the performing arts. Athletes, for example, might work with a mental performance coach to overcome performance anxiety, improve their focus during competitions, or develop a more positive mindset. Similarly, business professionals might seek mental performance coaching to improve their confidence in public speaking or develop better stress management skills.⁽²⁾

Evidence that mental performance coaching works

A growing body of evidence suggests that mental performance coaching can effectively improve performance in a variety of settings. Here are some of the key findings from recent studies:

1.    Increased Confidence and Self-Efficacy

Self-talk matters. What you say is how you will play. - from a friend

One of the main benefits of mental performance coaching is that it can help individuals improve their confidence and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to accomplish a particular task. Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals and pursue these goals in the face of obstacles.⁽³⁾

2.    Improved performance

Unleash the power from within. – Tony Robbins

Several studies have found that mental performance coaching can improve performance. For example, a study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology⁽⁴⁾ found that swimmers who received mental performance coaching showed more significant improvements in their performance than those who did not. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology⁽⁵⁾ found that basketball players who received mental performance coaching showed improvements in their shooting accuracy and free-throw shooting.

3.    Increased confidence

If you don't have confidence, you'll always find a way not to win. – Carl Lewis

Confidence is another essential factor in achieving peak performance, and mental performance coaching can help individuals develop a more positive mindset. A study published in the Journal of Sport and ExercisePsychology⁽⁶⁾ found that athletes who received mental performance coaching reported higher confidence levels than those who did not.

4.    Reduction of anxiety and stress

Pressure is the highest when athletes worry about what others think about them. - from a friend

Anxiety and stress can significantly impact performance, but mental performance coaching can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage these emotions. A study published in the Journal of Sport and ExercisePsychology⁽⁷⁾  found that athletes who received mental performance coaching reported lower anxiety and higher confidence levels than those who did not receive coaching. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that college athletes who received mental performance coaching reported lower stress levels and better coping strategies.⁽⁸⁾

5.    Better goal-setting and motivation

The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better tomorrow. – Simon Sinek 

Goal-setting and motivation are critical factors in achieving peak performance, and mental performance coaching can help individuals develop these skills. A study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology⁽⁹⁾ found that athletes who received mental performance coaching reported greater goal clarity and a stronger sense of motivation than those who did not.

6. Enhanced focus and concentration

What we can control are our performance and our execution, and that's what we're going to focus on – Bill Belichick

Focus and concentration are critical for success in many domains, and mental performance coaching can help individuals develop these skills. A study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology⁽¹⁰⁾ investigated the relationship between youth soccer players' perceived ability and concentration skills. The results showed that players with higher perceived ability reported better concentration skills during training and games. The study also found that players who had received mental skills training reported better concentration skills than those who had not.

What are some examples of successful mental performance coaching?

There are many examples of athletes, business professionals, and performers who have used mental performance coaching to achieve their goals. Here are just a few:

·    Michael Phelps – Swimming

Michael Phelps, one of the most successful swimmers in history, has spoken publicly about his work with mental performance coach Dr. Peter Haberl. Haberl supported Phelps in cultivating mental skills, including goal-setting, visualization, and relaxation techniques. Phelps harnessed these abilities to conquer anxiety and enhance his performance in the pool, securing a record-breaking 23 Olympic gold medals.

·     Serena Williams - Tennis

Serena Williams, one of the most successful tennis players of all time, has worked with mental performance coach Mackie Shilstone. Shilstone contributed to Williams' development of mental skills such as positive self-talk, visualization, and mindfulness. Williams used these skills to overcome injuries and other obstacles and has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

·     Jim Craig - Hockey

Jim Craig, the goaltender for the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, worked with mental performance coach Dr. Bill Thierfelder. Thierfelder helped Craig develop mental skills such as visualization, positive self-talk, and goal-setting. Craig employed these abilities to conquer anxiety and pressure, playing a crucial part in the US team's landmark triumph against the Soviet Union. 

·     Steve Kerr - Basketball

Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors basketball team, has worked with mental performance coach George Mumford. Mumford assisted Kerr in acquiring mental abilities like mindfulness, visualization, and self-awareness. Kerr applied these skills to enhance his coaching and guided the Warriors to numerous NBA championships.

·     Tim Ferriss - Entrepreneurship

Tim Ferriss, author, and entrepreneur, worked with mental performance coach Tony Robbins. Robbins helped Ferriss develop mental skills such as goal-setting, visualization, and self-awareness. Ferriss used these skills to overcome anxiety and achieve success in his career and personal life.

In summary‍

The evidence strongly supports the effectiveness of mental performance coaching in improving mental skills and abilities, overcoming obstacles, and achieving goals. Numerous studies have shown that mental performance coaching can improve self-confidence, focus, motivation, and overall performance in a variety of settings.

Successful individuals such as Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Jim Craig, Steve Kerr, and Tim Ferriss have all worked with mental performance coaches to develop their mental skills and achieve success in their respective fields.

It is important to note that mental performance coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and individuals may respond differently to different coaching styles and techniques. However, with the help of a skilled mental performance coach, individuals can learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions, develop effective coping strategies, and optimize their performance.

‍Notes:

(1)  The why, how, and what of mental performance coaching: https://www.renesonneveld.com/post/the-why-how-and-what-of-mental-performance-coaching

(2)  The inner mind game of athletes and executives: https://www.renesonneveld.com/post/the-inner-game

(3)  Albert Bandera (1986). The explanatory and predictive scope of self-efficacy theory. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 1986. Vol 4, No3.

(4)  Lundqvist,C., Sandstrom, A., Thelwell, R., & Hassmen, P. (2010). Motivation in sport settings: A goal perspective approach. A psycho-educational program for improving competitive swimmers" coping skills. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology,22(3), 307-322. And, Duda, J. L. (1992).

(5)  Bray, S. R., Martin, K. A., & Wrisberg, C. A. (2000). A comparison of mental skills training programs in basketball players. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 22(3), 280-289.

(6)  Gould, D., Dieffenbach, K. & Moffett, A. (2002). Psychological characteristics and their development in Olympic champions. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(3), 172-204.

(7)  Ronald E. Smith, Frank L. Smoll, and Sean P. Cumming (2007). Effects of a Motivational Climate Intervention for Coaches on Young Athletes" Sports PerformanceAnxiety. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 2007, 29, 39-59

(8)  Janaina L. Fogaca. Combining Mental Health and PerformanceInterventions: Coping and Social Support for Student-Athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Volume 33, 2021 – Issue 1: Mental Health in Sport.

(9)  Chris Harwood, Jennifer Cumming & David Fletcher (2003). Motivational Profiles and Psychological Skills Use within Elite Youth Sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Volume 16, 2004 – Issue 4.

(10) Lidor, R., Côté, J. & Hackfort, D. (2009). Perceived ability and concentration skills of youth soccer players. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(1), 61-74