Journal of Psychology and Sport
Challenge is necessary. Stress is necessary. When they occur in appropriate doses and are balanced by proportionate recovery, challenge and stress create growth. Elite coaching cultures balance challenge and support, stress and recovery, in a way that makes growth not only a consistent possibility but an expectation. As a young coach I didn’t understand that,…
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Slowly but surely, coaches are returning to training alongside their athletes. Zoom meetings and Google hangouts have helped bridge the gap, but there’s nothing quite like being together with your team, sharing time and space with your athletes, and working alongside one another toward a common purpose. In many states, by mid/late June, we will…
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By Jen Foust Potential is defined as “a quality or ability that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness.” In a strength and conditioning setting, the lessons taught in a weightroom can have a direct and lasting impact on an athlete. It might be the perfect place to maximize potential. It is…
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The overwhelming majority of conversation in the coaches locker room is positive, supportive, and fun. It hinges on strategy, planning, and getting the most out of young people. The coaches’ locker room is not a dark and dangerous place; rather, it offers an opportunity to bond and connect. Locker room talk, from my experience and…
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By Jodi Marver Since being named the head varsity girls basketball coach at Willows Academy, I have been able to witness a lot from the bench. What I have been able to see is a very successful group of ladies both on and off the court. Even though it was my second season as a…
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By Christopher “Tex” McQuilken On any given Power Athlete Radio podcast, you’ll hear the phrase “Division III All-star” thrown around. Initially a half-joking term of endearment, it has since evolved as a means of highlighting my athletic “accomplishments” as I sit beside a 10 year NFL veteran, discussing performance with gold-medalists, professional athletes, and world…
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With the 116th pick of the 2020 NFL draft, St. John’s tackle Ben Bartch became the first Division III player taken in five years. Statistically, it was one of the day’s most unlikely moments. More than one million high school football players put on the pads each fall. In a given year, approximately 7.3% of…
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“Be the energy catalyst in the room.” This is something that Jim Davis used to say to us all the time when I worked for him. It was some of the best advice I have received as a coach and something that I try and pass along to other coaches as well.You bring the energy,…
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The Ivy League basketball tournament was the first to fall. Shortly after, the NCAA announced that March Madness and all other winter and spring championships were cancelled in hopes of slowing the spread of coronavirus. Seasons – careers – for thousands of athletes across the country came to a screeching halt. It was the right…
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CAHPERD (the California Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) put on a fantastic conference this weekend just outside of Anaheim, CA. The theme of the week – “In Focus” – was everywhere. Conversations on attention networks in the brain, social emotional learning, and mindfulness were occurring not only in the lecture halls but…
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