In this episode, George is joined by Michael Huber to explore how mental performance training can help athletes become more present, resilient, and adaptable under pressure. Michael shares practical strategies for mindfulness, self-talk, visualization, and communication, while also discussing how coaches can build mentally challenging practice environments that better prepare players for real-game adversity.
Chapters:
01:00 – Introduction to Michael Huber and mental performance coaching
02:00 – Defining mental performance and helping athletes apply skills in competition
03:30 – Awareness, mindfulness, and learning to stay present under pressure
05:00 – Using breathing, self-talk, and visualization to regulate emotions in games
06:30 – Why meditation can strengthen focus, awareness, and emotional control
08:00 – Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and building stillness through daily routines
09:30 – Understanding "anchors" and creating intentional pre-game habits
11:00 – Using notebooks, intentions, and controllable goals before games
12:30 – Helping athletes focus on impact beyond scoring and statistics
14:00 – Why communication and role clarity are critical for coaches and players
15:30 – Lessons from podcast conversations about coaching, transitions, and leadership
17:00 – Preparing athletes mentally for the next level before they arrive there
18:30 – Why practice environments can never fully replicate game pressure
20:00 – Helping athletes balance personal goals with team systems and coaching styles
21:30 – Encouraging players to ask questions and communicate with coaches effectively
23:00 – Designing practices that intentionally build mental resilience and adversity
24:30 – Using constraints, penalties, and game-like challenges to train emotional control
26:00 – Transformative Tip
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