Coaching the Mental Game by Lyons Press – Practical Sports Coaching Guide

Elevate the mental game with a practical coaching framework

Coaching the Mental Game presents a clear, practical path to understanding how athletes think, react, and perform under pressure. Dorfman shares coaching strategies designed to refine a player's mental approach to performance, while keeping the focus on actual training and day-to-day guidance.

This volume is widely regarded as a definitive resource for coaches who want to broaden their coaching repertoire and support their athletes beyond physical drills.

Why this book matters for coaches

• A pragmatic framework for assessing focus, confidence, and consistency
• Strategies to guide conversations and decisions during critical moments
• Realistic drills and situational examples that translate to game day
• Ways to motivate athletes while maintaining autonomy

What you’ll discover inside

Author Dorfman blends theory with concrete ideas you can try in training sessions, team talks, and one-on-one coaching. The guidance focuses on strengthening the mental edge while respecting individual temperament.

• Techniques to craft pre-game routines that help readiness
• Communication approaches for halftime adjustments and post-game reflection
• Strategies to rebound from setbacks and maintain focus
• Potential to serve as a motivational resource across industries and everyday life

Who should read

Coaches across sports, as well as leaders and professionals who want to sharpen performance through mindset work. While rooted in athletic coaching, the concepts are adaptable to various teams and tasks, making this a durable reference for personal and professional growth.