Mental Performance Training: Why it's a Game Changer and Where to Begin

Inspired by our book Coaching Better Athletes

Mental Performance Training Part 1 of 2

Why Mental Performance Training is a Game-Changer for Youth Sports

Picture this: two teams, evenly matched. Same speed, same skills, same fire. What makes one pull ahead? Mental strength and resilience. As the legendary Yogi Berra said, “Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical.” Yeah, it’s a funny way to put it, but he was onto something there. In sports, the mental game IS the difference between an athlete who consistently performs at the top of their bandwidth and one that does not.

We all know strength, speed, and skill matter. At the younger ages, raw athleticism often steals the show. But as kids get older and everyone has polished their skill, the mental side becomes the difference maker. It’s what separates the players who crumble under pressure from those who thrive. The problem is, while we pour time and money into physical training—camps, drills, conditioning—the mental side often gets left on the bench. That’s a missed opportunity. If you’re coaching youth sports, you have to consider incorporating mental performance training (MPT) into your practices. When done properly, your team will achieve things that didn't seem possible before.

"It’s the spark that fuels the joy for loving competition and the resilience that drives wins."

So, why does MPT matter? It’s not just about psyching kids up. It’s about building confidence, cutting anxiety, and helping athletes stay locked in when the game’s on the line. It’s the spark that fuels the joy for loving competition and the resilience that drives wins. Mental training shouldn't be considered a luxury—it must be a standard for any program serious about developing athletes.

But here’s the catch: MPT won’t work unless those delivering the material are all in. If you’re a program director or head coach, you’ve got to sell the folks in charge on its value. So, whether you answer to a board of directors or a group of parents, they need to support your use of MPT. They also need to know how they can help with the process of building up a bag of mental tools that your athletes can use. They need to understand how MPT sharpens focus, boosts effort, and keeps kids in the game longer. MPT has to live in your program’s culture.

Culture is everything. From the youngest player to the top coach, everyone’s got to be on the same page. A shaky culture means shaky results, and that keeps your program from hitting its full potential. To make MPT stick, set expectations that go beyond showing up on time or giving 100%. Sure, those matter, but it goes beyond that. Culture is often caught, not taught. Your leaders need to live it—celebrating the right things, like effort, grit, and teamwork, not just the scoreboard. These values will help you incorporate the likes of MPT and any other concept that you want to integrate into your progam.

“…winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point.”  - Pat Summitt

Take a cue from Pat Summitt, one of the greatest coaches ever: “…winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point.” If you only hype wins, kids will chase trophies and miss the bigger picture. They will give up when winning seems out of reach. Instead, cheer the steps that get you there—the hustle, the focus, the kid who picks up a teammate after a bad play. That’s how you build a culture where mental training and overall success thrive.

Start by showing everyone what MPT looks like. Share stories of elite athletes who use MPT to further their game. Better yet, model it yourself—maybe a quick focus exercise for demonstration purposes. When they see the value, they’ll back you. Then, make MPT part of your program’s DNA. Whether you weave it into drills or set up separate sessions, find what fits your team’s vibe. It’s not about perfection—it’s about commitment. Get this right, and you’re not just building better athletes; you’re building kids who love the game and grow through every challenge set before them.