How to talk to your athlete about mental performance.
When your athlete is chasing big goals in their sport, you want to give them every tool they need to succeed — strength, skill, resilience, confidence. But what about their mental game?
If you're thinking about introducing mental performance coaching, you might hit a wall. Maybe they think it’s only for people who are struggling. Maybe they worry it means something is wrong with them.
Here’s the truth:
👉 Mental performance coaching isn’t about fixing problems — it’s about leveling up potential.
👉 It’s the same edge elite athletes use to rise to the top.
Here’s how to explain it in a way that gets them excited (instead of defensive):
1. Normalize It Through Elite Athlete Examples
Mental skills aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re foundational for success at the highest level.
Professional athletes don’t just hope to stay calm under pressure — they train for it, just like they train their bodies.
Simone Biles is known not just for her unmatched talent, but for her mental strength. She uses visualization, self-talk, and breathing techniques to perform at her best. She’s been incredibly open about prioritizing her mental well-being, especially during the Tokyo Olympics. Watch more from Simone here.
Chloe Kim, Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding, visualizes her runs before major competitions until performing feels automatic. She’s also spoken about managing pressure and protecting her mental health. Read more in her Elle interview.
Alex Morgan, World Cup champion, soccer icon and my daughters’ favorite player, leans on mental preparation, visualization, and goal-setting to stay consistent under pressure. She’s shared about the challenges of taking care of her mental health in the spotlight. Read more on that here.
Serena Williams built her dominance on more than skill — her ability to refocus, stay composed, and believe in herself gave her the edge in the toughest moments. She often talks so beautifully about how her mental game meant more than her physical. Explore more of Serena’s thoughts on mental resilience here.
When a young competitor sees that the best in the world are training their minds just like they train their bodies, mental performance coaching stops feeling like a “fix” and starts feeling like a secret weapon.
2. Connect It to Their Goals
Another great way to introduce the idea? Link it to what they already want.
Ask questions like:
What are your goals for this season?
What would it feel like to play your best when it matters most?
Then help them connect the dots:
If they want to thrive under pressure, they need strategies for focus, composure, and confidence.
If they want to handle nerves instead of letting nerves handle them, tools like breathing techniques, visualization, and positive self-talk are key — and they’re all part of mental performance coaching.
It’s not about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about helping them thrive because they’re going after something big — and they deserve every advantage.
Want to Take the First Step?
The best way to help your athlete understand the value of mental performance coaching? Let them hear it directly from someone who’s been in their shoes.
Margaret, founder of Leap Mental Performance, knows what it’s like to compete, to feel the pressure, and to crave more confidence and consistency. She brings not just expertise, but real-life experience to every conversation — and she’s passionate about helping young athletes thrive.
If your athlete is even a little curious (or skeptical!), a quick conversation with Margaret can help them feel seen, understood, and excited about what's possible.
Book a free discovery call here — no pressure, just insight, encouragement, and a whole lot of support.
