I’ve recently hosted four sports teams over the past few months, two rugby teams and two football teams. It’s interesting because, the first question from the stakeholder from all four teams is: “and so what do you know about rugby”,..”what do you know about football”.
Well, here’s the thing. I played a bit of rugby with the kids from the local comprehensive school, when I was a teenager, it was more like the game “bulldog” where everyone most certainly almost killed eachother, or at least tried to. Football. I had a go at primary school and professed to be an arvid Aston Villa fan, as my dad, and brother were devout followers, “up the Villa”, I hear them say in my head. Anything other than pretending to understand football and being a Villa fan was as good as being dead to them. The nearest I got to understanding a bit about football was playing goalie for my then 8 year old, a few years back, and got hammered in the face with his powerful shot at the goals. I’m not really good at it to be fair. I’ll have a go when the lads are playing in my field or at the park, but that’s it really.
I understand a bit more about rugby now, as my teenager boy plays for his local club. I’ve seen the Scottish rugby team play at least five times now, and I watch all of the international games – I’m getting better at understanding the game.
Back to the question. I replied with, “what do you really know about your players?” An interesting spin I thought.
As the psycho-dynamic coach, not the tactical sports coach, my job is not to focus on how well the team handle a tackle, a ruck, a scrum, a line-out and anything else relevant to their play in the game. My interest is their behavioural capabilities on and off the pitch. For example, especially for teenagers, what’s their anxiety on and off the pitch, and how is this displayed. I’m especially interested in their ability to listen, follow, lead and contribute in a way that is supportive of their team members, their ability to make decisions in a split second that is focussed on the task in hand. I’m particulary intrigued and interested in their ability to visualise their ability to be mentally tougher, mentally stronger with control, and their focus on being the best they can be in the time that I am working with them. My job is to create the environment on a deeper connected level, with their sport involved (because that’s what they love) to be a stronger, better individual and team player.
The mind has everything to do with the performance; brain and brawn are intrinsically connected, we can’t separate them. I remember getting really close to supporting the Scottish under-18 development team, COVID kicked in, and I lost the opportunity. Being the ever-competitive, values driven individual that I am, I have picked up the ball again with my passion for working with sports teams
Dynamic coaching is a type of sports psychology coaching that focuses on helping athletes develop the mental skills they need to perform at their best., on and off the pitch. It is based on the idea that the mind and body are interconnected, and that by improving an athlete’s mental skills, their physical performance can also improve.
Dynamic coaching typically involves a variety of techniques, such as goal setting, visualisation, relaxation training, and stress management. The specific techniques that are used will vary depending on the individual athlete’s needs and goals.
Dynamic coaching can be used with athletes of all ages and abilities, from beginners to elite performers. It has been shown to be effective in helping athletes improve their performance, reduce anxiety, and cope with stress.
Here are some of the benefits of dynamic coaching:
- Improved performance: Dynamic coaching can help athletes to improve their focus, concentration, and decision-making skills, which can lead to improved performance.
- Reduced anxiety: Dynamic coaching can help athletes to manage their anxiety and cope with pressure, which can free them up to perform at their best.
- Increased confidence: Dynamic coaching can help athletes to develop a more positive self-image and belief in their ability to succeed, which can lead to improved performance.
- Better communication: Dynamic coaching can help athletes to improve their communication skills, which can be helpful in working with coaches and teammates.
- Increased motivation: Dynamic coaching can help athletes to stay motivated and focused on their goals, even when faced with challenges.
If you are an athlete who is looking to improve your mental skills and performance, dynamic coaching can be a helpful option. It is important to find a coach who is qualified and experienced in this area.
Here are some of the things to look for in a dynamic coach:
- They should have a strong understanding of sports psychology
- They should be able to tailor their coaching to the individual athlete’s needs
- They should be able to create a positive and supportive environment.
- They should be able to provide feedback and guidance in a constructive way.
Hayley Tennant is undertaking a diploma in Sports psychology, as well as being a qualified cognitive behavioural coach. She is qualified to teach coaching with Psychology at HNC/foundation first year level. Hayley sits on the leadership committee with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and is a Fellow with CIPD (FCIPD). She is focussing more on sports team coaching, and team work which feeds her values for fun, connectedness and energy.
If you are interested in learning more about dynamic coaching, get in touch with Hayley Tennant. Email: hayleygtennant(at)gmail.com
Bookings are being taken for 2024.
Hayley Tennant FCIPD, Behavioral Coach, Interim Specialist, Team Building Guru 