Individual Coaching

At Carolina Strategies, we conduct individual coaching sessions with athletes from the recreational to the professional ranks.

From the junior to collegiate level, athletes are in the process of mastering their chosen sport. Beyond the physical training required to be their best, they also need to learn mental strategies to separate them from their peers. Obstacles to performance can include pre-game jitters, harsh self-criticism, excessive pressure from coaches or parents, low self-confidence, increasing external distractions as athletes improve, acute or chronic injuries, fear of success and increased expectations, and conflict with coaches or teammates. Working diligently on their mental game will help them to overcome these obstacles and ultimately achieve their physical potential.

Recreational athletes are also engaged in on-going learning about their sport. But despite long hours of practice, they are often stuck in performance ruts that are very frustrating and discouraging. Many will quit playing a sport they love because it has become a negative experience instead of a challenging and enjoyable one. Discovering what mental variables may be holding them back can feel empowering. Learning strategies to manage these psychological pitfalls can help bring back a sense of satisfaction and motivation for their sport.

At Carolina Strategies, we start individual coaching sessions with an in-depth assessment of each athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, including key psychological factors like motivation, confidence, focus, intensity and emotional regulation. We then work with the athlete to create a comprehensive plan to improve performance and increase satisfaction.

This customized approach can include teaching strategies to:

  • Maintain a deep focus during performance
  • Develop a true sense of confidence on and off the field
  • Manage negative thinking patterns that disrupt performance and satisfaction
  • Maintain optimal intensity during competition
  • Manage negative emotions during practice and games
  • Exhibit positive leadership skills to improve individual and team performance
  • Manage escalating pressures as athletes move toward higher levels of competition
  • Manage the psychological setbacks from sport injuries
  • Communicate effectively to enhance relationships with coaches and teammates

We then ask the athlete to practice applying these strategies during competition. By assessing the effectiveness of these strategies, the athlete is able to fine-tune their skills so they are sharp and ready to use in specific game situations. Having a plan to navigate the obstacles to great performances is very empowering for the athlete, and helps to build confidence and mental toughness.