Athletes: Master Your Mindset

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Career, Community, Goal Setting

I coach athletes from middle school to the NCAA Division I level, and they all have something in common—nerves and self-doubt. Even top-ranked players in starting lineups hesitate and question their abilities. The truth? Every athlete faces these struggles. That’s why I teach mindset hacks to help them break through. This one is fun!

The Snap-Back Routine

Ever make a mistake in a game and let it throw you off? Maybe you miss a shot, drop the ball, or lose focus for a moment, and suddenly, you’re stuck in a spiral of frustration and self-doubt. That’s where the Snap-Back Routine comes in.

The Snap-Back Routine is your personal reset button. It’s a quick combo that helps you shake off mistakes and get back in the game.

How to create yours:

  1. Choose a reset phrase: “Next play,” “I’ve got this,” or “Go Time”.
  2. Pick a physical action: Clap your hands, stomp your foot, or flick your wrist—something small but intentional.

Take a deep breath after every mistake to calm your nervous system and then use your personal Snap-Back routine. The more you practice it, the faster your brain and body will bounce back from mistakes.

The Power Pose

Did you know that how you carry yourself affects how you feel? If you slump your shoulders and look down, your brain signals nervousness and doubt. But when you stand tall, you send a message of strength and confidence—not just to others, but to yourself!

Try this:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Lift your chest, keep your head high, and place your hands on your hips (like a superhero!).
  • Hold the pose for 30 seconds and take deep breaths.
  • Feel the difference—strong, steady, and ready to compete!

Every time you walk on a field, wait for the face off, sit on the bench, or get called over by your coach, stand in the power pose and you will automatically feel more confident.

Great athletes don’t just train their bodies—they train their minds.

With the Snap-Back Routine and Power Pose in your arsenal, you can bounce back from mistakes, boost your confidence, and step into every game with visible confidence. The right mindset isn’t just an advantage—it’s a game-changer.

Casey Seidenberg is Human Better EDU’s Program Lead and Executive Life Coach. She leads our popular Take Charge of Your Life course for Middle  Schoolers and High Schoolers. She also works with graduate-level educators to Kindergarten teachers and everything in between. Email Casey at  casey@humanbetteredu.org

Are you ready to Master Your Mindset?

Curious what coaching could do for the athlete in your life? Click the button below to book a FREE Consultation with one of our coaches and find out how coaching could help make this the best season yet.

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Gaby Jordan

President and Founder,
Human Better EDU

gaby@humanbetteredu.org
+1 917-670-8782

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