Ep. 66 Special Coaches Edition: The Question That Changes Everything

This week's mental workout is a special one just for coaches (and parents). Coach Antoinette explains that when athletes seem to ignore instructions, the issue often isn’t defiance but how coaching cues are communicated and processed under pressure. Coaches frequently give multiple cues quickly, and athletes—dealing with nerves, fatigue, fear of mistakes, and the desire to impress—may latch onto the wrong detail. She introduces a simple shift: ask “Tell me what you heard so far” instead of testing with “Were you listening?” Having athletes repeat what they heard increases engagement, reveals what didn’t land or got distorted, and builds awareness. She suggests using the question before drills, after mistakes, and in high-pressure moments to narrow focus to one clear cue, and notes parents can apply the same approach to reduce power struggles and build ownership. To learn more about mental performance training and what it can do for you visit https://antoinettedatoc.com