The Power of Self Talk
Research indicates that people, on average, speak to themselves at a rate of between 300 and 1,000 words per minute. Commonly referred to as self-talk, this constant internal dialogue has…
Category: Parental Guidance
The GROW Model
The GROW model is a simple and effective coaching method that you can use with your athletes for setting and achieving their goals. Popularised by Sir John Whitmore’s book, “Coaching…
Level 2 Listening
Reflect on the conversations that you’ve had this week. Whilst you were talking, did you get a sense that the other person was truly absorbed in what you were saying?…
Fixed & Growth Mindsets
The term fixed and growth mindset, originates from research conducted by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, who concludes that people can be placed on a continuum according to their…
What is Mental Toughness?
Mental toughness is a term frequently used within sporting contexts, often being hailed as the principle reason for victory, or the sole explanation for loss. Coaches, supporters, commentators, and journalists…
Performance Dips
Anyone who has played competitive sport for a reasonable length of time will probably have experienced, to varying degrees, a performance dip at some point. But what is it, and…
Mental Rehearsal
Mental rehearsal, also referred to as visualisation, is a training technique that is used to create an experience in your mind, with the objective of improving your physical skills through purposefully…
Communicating With Skill
Teams and individuals who communicate well operate with a greater clarity of purpose, knowing exactly what they’re going to do, and why, how and when they’re going to do it.…
Relative Age Effect
The Relative Age Effect, commonly referred to as RAE, is a theory which suggests that children can be disadvantaged for the rest of their sporting careers, simply because of their…
Parenting an Athlete
Raising an athlete in today’s modern culture is a demanding proposition, with children experiencing more pressure to succeed in their chosen sport than ever before. The result is an increasing…
Bio-Banding
Traditionally, young athletes have been organised according to their age. In the UK, this tends to correspond with school year groups, so a child in year 6 would be categorised…
Nathan Wood Consulting 