WHY COACHES SHOULD SUPPORT PRIORITIZE MINDSET TRAINING
Have you ever seen one of your athletes struggle—not because they weren’t strong enough, but because their nerves took over?
Maybe they doubted themselves on a move they’d nailed in training or froze under competition pressure. As a coach, moments like these can leave you wondering: Am I doing enough to prepare them mentally? If that question has crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many coaches juggle the mental side of climbing on top of physical and technical training.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it all on your own.
We all know that climbing is as much a mental sport as it is physical. Imagine a climber at the crux of a route during a competition. Physically, they’re prepared. Technically, they’ve rehearsed the move countless times. But suddenly, doubt creeps in. Their grip falters – not because they lack strength, but because they’re overthinking. This is where mindset comes into play. Mental skills like focus, confidence, and managing emotions under pressure are just as trainable as physical ones. Yet, these skills often get sidelined until there’s a visible problem. Why? Because we’re conditioned to think of mindset as secondary, even though research shows it’s a crucial factor in performance and recovery.
You might ask yourself now: Isn’t that my job as the coach?
Of course! You’re already shaping your athletes’ mindset in countless ways, from building trust to teaching them how to handle pressure. But let’s be real– there’s only so much one person can do. Coaching involves a lot: programming physical training, developing climbing strategies, planning competition schedules, and offering emotional support. Adding deep-dive mental training to the mix can be overwhelming, especially when it requires specialized skills and might exceed the professional boundaries of your skillset and education.
This is where a sport psychologist comes in – not to take over, but to work alongside you.
Think of it like this: as the coach, you’re the architect, building the athlete’s foundation. A sport psychologist is like a specialist you bring in to strengthen specific areas. They focus on:
Helping athletes develop long-term mental tools like managing fear or staying focused in high-stakes moments.
Addressing deeper issues, like perfectionism or fear of failure, that might not show up in everyday training but affect performance.
Acting as a neutral sounding board where athletes can share thoughts they might not feel comfortable expressing to you.
For example, if one of your climbers struggles with competition anxiety, a sport psychologist could introduce techniques like mindfulness or visualization. Together, you could create a pre-competition routine to manage nerves. Instead of taking work off your plate, this collaboration enhances what you’re already doing.
Let’s talk about some stereotypes that might make you hesitant to involve a sport psychologist:
"Only athletes with problems need a sport psychologist."
Wrong! Mental training is proactive. It’s like strength training for the mind—you build it before it’s tested. Athletes who engage in mental skills training are often the ones who perform more consistently under pressure."Sport psychology doesn’t work."
Actually, studies show athletes who use psychological skills improve performance. But it’s not an instant fix. Think of it like building endurance—it takes time and practice, but the results are real."It’s a luxury for elite athletes."
Mental training benefits athletes at all levels. Even your youngest climbers can gain confidence and learn to handle challenges better with the right support. In fact, the earlier you start implementing mental tools and strategies into their routine, the better. The skills they develop will benefit them for a lifetime.
As a coach, you’re deeply invested in your athletes and in their success. That’s what makes you great at what you do—but it can also make it harder for athletes to open up about doubts, fears, or struggles. A sport psychologist offers a neutral, judgment-free space where athletes can work through their thoughts without worrying about disappointing anyone. That doesn’t mean they’re bypassing you. It means they come back to training more focused and ready to perform.
Sport psychology isn’t about replacing your role as a coach. It’s about building a team where each role complements the others. Think of it as building a climbing team: you wouldn’t expect a single person to be the coach, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and gear technician. Why should mental preparation be any different? When you bring a sport psychologist into the picture, you’re showing your athletes that you value their mental and emotional well-being as much as their physical performance. By normalizing sport psychology as part of the process, you can set your athletes up not just for better performances, but for a healthier, more sustainable career in climbing.
So, the next time you see one of your athletes hesitate at the crux, ask yourself: What if we could train their mind as well as their body? With the right tools and team in place, you can.
New for 2025: Annual Membership for Competitive Climbers
We’re excited to introduce a special opportunity for your athletes: an Annual Membership designed specifically for competitive climbers. Just as you build season-long training plans, this membership offers year-round psychological support to strengthen their mental game. Through this program, your athletes will gain tools to handle challenges, perform under pressure, and develop as consistent competitors—all with the guidance of a dedicated climbing psychologist.
Feel free to forward this offer to your athletes or reach out to us directly to explore how we can collaborate. Learn more about our Annual Membership here.
Coach Education Classes: Elevate Your Coaching with Climbing Psychology
Want to deepen your understanding of climbing psychology as a coach? Our Coach Education Classes are designed for coaches eager to enhance their skills. The next series launches in spring 2025. Don’t miss out—gain early access and learn more.