A Note from Mental Performance Coach Andy Metcalf
From a young age, I have been fascinated with the inner workings of the mind. Questions like, "Why do people do what they do?" and "What makes people think the way they do?" Humans are infinitely complex. The fact there are no simple answers to those questions is what has always drawn me to the field of psychology. This complexity also informs how I approach coaching and teaching mental skills. No two athletes are the same, so why would we teach every athlete the same way? Taking a one-size-fits-all approach lessens the positive impact we can have on athletes. It is important to treat every athlete as the individual they are to ensure optimal levels of learning and development.
Sport Psychology is a term that can have many definitions. To me, sport psychology is a wide array of psychologically-based theories, techniques, and skills that can be implemented to help athletes use their minds in a way that increases sport performance and enjoyment of sport. These techniques and skills take time and practice. Just like lifting weights makes your muscles stronger, practicing mental skills makes your mind stronger. There is no magic formula to being mentally tough; no one will become completely self-confident overnight; and no one learns how to keep a present-moment focus after one mindfulness session. I believe teaching about topics such as these has an impact that reaches beyond sports. No matter what level an athlete aspires to, they will not be an athlete forever, and that’s why teaching these valuable skills at Big Fish is so important.
I am beyond excited to bring sport psychology to the Big Fish and Charge athletes, and I cannot wait to get to know the dedicated athletes that would like to squeeze every ounce of performance and enjoyment out of their athletic experiences!
Sport Psychology is a term that can have many definitions. To me, sport psychology is a wide array of psychologically-based theories, techniques, and skills that can be implemented to help athletes use their minds in a way that increases sport performance and enjoyment of sport. These techniques and skills take time and practice. Just like lifting weights makes your muscles stronger, practicing mental skills makes your mind stronger. There is no magic formula to being mentally tough; no one will become completely self-confident overnight; and no one learns how to keep a present-moment focus after one mindfulness session. I believe teaching about topics such as these has an impact that reaches beyond sports. No matter what level an athlete aspires to, they will not be an athlete forever, and that’s why teaching these valuable skills at Big Fish is so important.
I am beyond excited to bring sport psychology to the Big Fish and Charge athletes, and I cannot wait to get to know the dedicated athletes that would like to squeeze every ounce of performance and enjoyment out of their athletic experiences!
