What separates elite athletes from the rest? Their ability to stay locked in—fully present, focused, and unshaken by the pressure of the moment.

In this episode, Coach Parker shares a wild moment from his coaching career: being so locked into the game plan that he didn’t even realize the game had ended. This experience leads to a deep dive into the mental game of sports—how the best athletes train their minds to stay present and execute under pressure.

From Tiger Woods’ legendary focus at the 2019 Masters to the power of "next play" mentality in basketball, this episode breaks down the strategies that help athletes perform at their peak. If you’re a parent or coach looking to help young athletes master the mental side of the game, this one’s for you.

Other key topics include:

• The danger of focusing on the outcome instead of the process
• How to help young athletes build resilience and avoid "choking" under pressure
• Why flow state is the key to unlocking elite performance
• The importance of controlling what you can control in the game
• Why execution—not just talent or desire—determines who wins and who loses

Coach Parker also shares practical strategies for parents and coaches to reinforce mental toughness, confidence, and decision-making skills in young athletes.

Timestamps

0:00 - Sponsor: CP Basketball Academy Summer Camps – Train with the best this summer
0:29 - Welcome to the Show – The importance of mental performance
0:58 - The moment I didn’t realize the game ended—being completely locked in
2:05 - Why great athletes ignore the outcome and focus on execution
3:20 - Tiger Woods' 2019 Masters: A lesson in staying in the moment
5:48 - The "flow state" and how top athletes like Kobe & MJ mastered it
6:22 - The key to staying loose and avoiding the pressure trap
7:47 - How to train young athletes to focus on the present
8:25 - Why mental discipline is the foundation of success in sports
9:34 - Free Resource: Download the Game Day Guide (wecoachparents.com/game-ready)
10:51 - Controlling the controllables: How to shift an athlete’s focus
13:37 - The impact of a "next play" mindset on long-term development
15:35 - How effort-based habits (rebounds, 50-50 balls) translate to winning
17:23 - Final thoughts: How to train mental resilience in young athletes

...and much more.

BONUS: The FREE Game Day Guide is LIVE https://wecoachparents.com/gameready

Hear more from Coach Parker on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@itscoachparker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itscoachparker/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@itscoachparker

Got questions for us?
Email us at Carl@drivewaydads.com with your question, and you might hear the answer on one of our next epidsodes!

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