Frequently Asked Questions
Mental performance coaching for athletes is a type of educational training that supports athletes in strengthening their mental skills needed to perform and compete consistently, confidently and resiliently. Mental performance coaching focuses on the mind in the same way that physical training focuses on the body and improving physical strength. Mental performance coaching teaches athletes how to change certain engrained attitudes and thoughts with positive beliefs and ideas so that they can succeed in practice and competition.
Some of the skills that are taught are: confidence, concentration, emotional control, motivation, managing stress, goal setting, relaxation skills, overcoming fear of failure, and establishing routines. Sometimes an athlete will require mental performance coaching assistance when returning from a sports injury, or while they recover. Mental performance areas will vary based on individual student athlete needs.
Mental performance coaching for student athletes has practical benefits. It supports performance and personal development BOTH on the field and in the classroom. For example, mental performance coaching helps student athletes learn how to stay focused, reset after errors, build confidence based on preparation and not expectation, control frustration, respond rather than react to mistakes, and improve concentration.
Through mental performance coaching, student athletes also learn tools beyond athletic use. For example, goal setting and time management, accountability, leadership, and communication skills.
Mental performance coaching is performance focused and not clinical. Mental performance coaching does not diagnose or treat mental illness. Mental performance coaching supports the development of skills for sports competition, practice and training. Mental performance coaches are not licensed therapists.
Sports psychology focuses on mental health AND performance. Its primary goal is the psychological well being and functioning of an individual. For example, sports psychologists support anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, eating disorders. Sports psychology is practiced by licensed psychologists or clinical mental health professionals.
The major difference between mental performance coaching and sports psychology:
Mental performance coaching trains the mind for sports performance, while sports psychology treats mental health conditions that impact sports and life.
Do you want to perform better under pressure? Do you need help with motivation? Do you struggle setting goals? Do you have a fear of failure? Do you need help establishing routines? Work with a mental performance coach.
If you are struggling emotionally beyond sports, reach out to a sports psychologist.
If you are not certain, and both scenarios overlap, then start with a licensed sports psychologist.
We work, virtually or local in-person, with youth in middle school (ages 10 through 13), high school, and college. We also offer local in-person workshops for middle school and high school teams. Parent/guardian workshops are also offered in local in-person group formats, as well as individual virtual parent coaching sessions.
Mental performance coaching is different at each stage because the athlete’s brain development, environment, pressure, and goals all change as they move up levels. Youth ages 10-13 primarily will focus on building healthy mental habits while keeping sports fun. The goal for high school athletes is to perform more consistently while navigating growth and competition. Collegiate athlete’s goals tend to be at the higher level with a focus on sustained performance over a long season and a long career.
Yes! Mental performance coaching aids students in all areas of their lives.
Mental performance coaching develops mental skills that students need to perform well academically and personally, and not just in sports. Mental performance coaching can support students in improving focus and attention, managing stress, building confidence, learning how to set goals and stay motivated, improve time management and learn how to be organized, and build resilience. Mental performance coaching encourages long term mental wellness and personal growth.
Typical sessions are held 1:1 either virtually, or in person if local to Lexington, SC. Coaching sessions span 45-minutes each for ages 14 and up, and 30-minutes each for ages 10-13, and occur once a week every seven to ten days. Sessions are skills based, follow a discussion and application format, and usually require reflection-focused written homework responses to journal-like prompts.
Student athletes sign on for a four-session commitment over a 6-week period. Each weekly coaching session typically lasts 45-minutes each for ages 14 and up. Younger student athletes between the ages of 10 through 13 are asked to participate in 30 minute weekly sessions. After each four-session block, students have the opportunity to sign on for an additional four coaching sessions over another 6-week period. Typical mental performance coaching commitments last from 3 to 6 months, with the opportunity to participate in bi-weekly or monthly sessions after the 6-month mark. Each coaching plan package may be renewed beyond the initial term on a month-to-month basis.
Student athletes meet with their mental performance coach on a weekly basis – typically every seven to ten days. While competition schedules may make weekly calls challenging to schedule sometimes, student athletes have a 6-week window within which their four coaching sessions can be planned. Sessions may occur in the mornings before the start of the school day, during the day as academic schedules permit, or after school or evening hours. Coaching sessions may sometimes be organized over the weekend or on holiday days.
Coaching sessions are held 1:1.
Team based workshops are typically organized in collaboration with team coaches who have requested team participation.
The scope of services by December Dragons Education consists of instruction and education designed to develop mental skills for sports performance, personal growth, and enjoyment. Participation in coaching services constitutes an educational program focused on learning and applying mental skills and strategies. No express or implied guarantees are made regarding improved performance, outcomes, or earnings as a result of participation in coaching services.
Results may vary significantly based on factors including, but not limited to, the student-athlete’s motivation, cooperation, willingness and ability to implement suggested strategies, adherence to assignments, and other variables beyond the control of December Dragons Education.
Middle school and high school team coaches don’t have to be the mental performance experts! December Dragons Education works in collaboration with team coaches in support of their philosophy and team mental performance development. We do this, for example, via specific workshop plans that may focus on communication, team culture building, increasing confidence, and handling mistakes and adversity. Contact us here to set up a call to discuss team specific needs.
Yes. Team workshops are offered to local middle school level and high school level teams. The team coach should request the team workshop. Workshops will be identified in collaboration with the team coaching staff and aligned with program values. Workshop topic, timing and commitment will be discussed with the head coach and coaching staff during the planning phase.
We work with youth in middle school (ages 10 through 13), high school, and college. We also offer local in-person workshops for middle school and high school teams. Parent/guardian workshops are also offered in local in-person group formats, as well as individual virtual or local in-person parent coaching sessions.
December Dragons Education, LLC and its mental performance coaches respect the rights of student athlete’s privacy and confidentiality. We agree to maintain client/coach confidentiality and not discuss details of client’s case with other persons. When working with minors under the age of 18, it may be helpful to discuss student athlete’s case with parents or guardians. For student athletes ages 10 to 13 years, it may be beneficial for parents or guardians to participate in the coaching sessions with the student athlete in support of the student athlete’s commitment to the program.
Yes. Unless you are local to Lexington, SC and specify that you would like to meet in person, all individual coaching sessions take place virtually on a mutually agreed upon day and determined time.
Yes. In-person group parent workshops are offered in the Lexington, SC area and are advertised on this website when offered. Parent workshops are topic specific.
Individual parent coaching sessions are offered virtually and local in-person. Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling a session or participating in an upcoming workshop.
Please complete the inquiry form here and we will be in touch with you to set up our initial introductory call.
No. Mental performance coaching is not just for athletes who are struggling. Many athletes who use it most effectively are already performing well and want to get even better. For example, high performing athletes work with mental performance coaches to improve consistency under pressure, to sharpen focus, and/or to develop pre-performance routines. Athletes who are developing in their sport, for example, may use mental performance coaching to build certain mental skills, learn how to handle mistakes, develop emotional control, and/or establish strong habits before problems arise. Mental performance coaching is a tool for any athlete who wants to perform closer to their potential.
High school athletes ages 14 years and older: The first month of coaching is $600 USD. Monthly coaching renews at $500/month.
For Youth Athletes 13 years and younger: The first month of coaching is $500 USD. Monthly coaching renews at $400/month.
Team workshops are currently offered to local teams only in an in-person interactive workshop format. Each workshop is offered at $350.
Our parent workshops are organized in a group environment. Workshop are held locally in Lexington, SC, with some offered virtually. Participation in a parent workshop is offered at $25-$50 with details shared online when workshops become available.
Individual parent coaching sessions are offered virtually and locally in-person. Individual parent workshops are offered at $150 per coaching session with a maximum of two participating parents per session.