THE MENTAL PERFORMANCE OF THE COACH
When we talk about mental performance in climbing, we almost always focus on the climbers. Their mindset, their ability to handle pressure, their psychological skills training – these are the usual topics.
But what about the climbing coach?
As a climbing coach, you are an integral part of an athlete’s performance environment. Your emotions, behaviors, and mindset don’t just affect you – they directly influence your athletes. The way you handle stress, pressure, and competition can either support or hinder their success. So why don’t we talk more about the mental performance of the coach?
Emotional contagion: Your state affects your athletes
One of the biggest yet often overlooked psychological factors in coaching is emotional contagion – the phenomenon where one person’s emotions unconsciously influence those around them. If you’ve ever felt yourself getting anxious because someone near you was stressed, you’ve experienced emotional contagion firsthand.
Now, think about how this plays out in a high-stakes competition. Have you ever seen a coach who was so anxious they actually made things worse for their athlete? Maybe their nervous energy showed in their body language, their tone of voice, or their instructions. Instead of being a calming presence, they unintentionally amplified their athlete’s stress.
If you’re a coach, ask yourself: How do you show up in high-pressure situations? Do you bring calm, confidence, and support? Or do you – without meaning to – add to the chaos?
Coaching under pressure: The need for self-regulation
Athletes train to manage their emotions and stay focused under pressure. Coaches need to do the same. When we get caught up in the moment, we can become reactive rather than intentional.
That’s when frustration, impatience, or even self-doubt can take over.
Self-awareness is the first step. Pay attention to your emotional triggers. What situations tend to make you anxious or frustrated? Maybe it’s when an athlete isn’t performing the way you know they can, or when competition day doesn’t go as planned. Recognizing these moments allows you to step back, reframe your thoughts, and respond more effectively.
Training your own mental game
If we expect athletes to train their mindset, we should hold ourselves to the same standard. Developing psychological skills like self-regulation, emotional control, and resilience isn’t just for them – it’s for us too. Here are a few strategies to help you perform better as a coach:
Mindful awareness: Take time to check in with yourself before and during training sessions or competitions. How are you feeling? What do you need to adjust?
Reframing pressure: Instead of seeing pressure as a threat, view it as a challenge. How can you turn high-pressure moments into opportunities for growth?
Breathing techniques: Simple breathing exercises can help regulate stress responses and bring you back to a state of control.
Post-event reflection: Just like athletes review their performances, you can reflect on yours. What went well? What could you have done differently?
The best coaches never stop learning – about their sport, about their athletes, and about themselves. The more we understand our own behaviors and mental patterns, the better we can support those we coach.
So, challenge yourself. Read, ask questions, have conversations. Be open to feedback. And above all, remember that coaching is also a performance. Just like your athletes, you are always training – mentally and physically – to be the best you can be.
Coach Education Classes 2025
If you want to learn more about the mental side of climbing, our Coach Education Classes might be interesting for you! Sign up to our Coach Education Classes here and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!