Best Psychologicalskillstrainingprogrammefootball Podcasts (2025)

1
279 How To Help A Cricketer Overcome Selections Difficulties 11:35

4d ago11:35

11:35

Today, in episode #279 David and Gerard discuss the challenges faced by a 12-year-old cricketer named Amir (pseudonym), who is a leg spinner struggling with inconsistent selection due to the club's preference for pace bowling. Amir's fluctuating motivation and confidence, as well as the potential for dropping out of cricket are attributed to poor c…

1
278 How To Help Young Athletes Who Are Distracted By Shouty Coaches Subtitle: 12:51

11d ago12:51

12:51

In today’s episode, #278 David and Gerard discuss the impact of a shouty coach on an 18-year-old rugby player named Tom (pseudonym). They explore how such coaching styles can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and increased self-criticism, affecting both on-field performance and confidence levels. They emphasize the importance of coaches fosterin…

1
277 How To Help An Extra Competitive Footballer 12:01

19d ago12:01

12:01

In episode #277 David and Gerard Fitzgerald discussed how to help shift the focus of an extra competitive footballer or athlete, using the example of a boy named Joe who hates losing. Key points included the importance of harnessing anger positively, as seen with Wayne Rooney's iconic goal in 2005 for Manchester United versus Newcastle United. They…

1
276 How To Help A Footballer Who Focuses Too Much On Other People 16:19

25d ago16:19

16:19

Today marks the start of an 8-episode series where David Charlton is joined by a colleague. Gerard Fitzgerald features in this episode, as well as the next 3 episodes. They go on to discuss a case study of a young female footballer, 11 years old with a pseudonym name called Carly who is a sensitive soul who worries too much about other people (team…

1
275 Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast – What happens next? 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

After a short break from creating and broadcasting episodes of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, in episode #275, David discusses a change in format to the podcast for the rest of 2025. He also highlights the benefits of having a support system and the benefits of reading and acting on advice from The 12 Week Year, book written by Brian F …

1
274 How You Can Challenge Yourself To Feel More In Control 19:48

3M ago19:48

19:48

In this week’s episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast #274, we focus in on the control and challenge measures from Professor Peter Clough’s 4C’s model of Mental Toughness. David highlights how US tennis player Danielle Collins' managed fans heckling at the Australian Open to aid her performance. Insightful guests, Sport Psychologists,…

1
273 How To Improve Your Mental Toughness For Team Sports 12:13

3M ago12:13

12:13

The "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast episode #273, hosted by David Charlton, features insights from various team sports coaches and athletes, on commitment and confidence. Key points include the importance of individual motivation in team sports, maintaining a balance in life, and the necessity of standing out in training and matches. Guests…

1
272 Sport Coaches: 15 Tips To Help You Become A Better Coach 24:04

4M ago24:04

24:04

Today’s podcast episode #272, focuses on helping coaches develop themselves and improve their relationships with their athletes, in turn, positively influencing performances. Many different guests from the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast emphasize the following points when considering self-improvement: sport coaches should be open-minded, foc…

1
271 25 Ways To Improve Your Mental Toughness 27:45

4M ago27:45

27:45

Happy New Year! Why not make 2025 one of your best years to date? To do so if you focus some attention on improving your mental toughness by creating better routines and habits you can give yourself a great chance. In this NEW episode, a number of our excellent guests offer many helpful and inspiring suggestions. Points of note relate to understand…

1
270 11 Ways To Build Your Mental Fortitude 17:56

4M ago17:56

17:56

In today’s podcast episode #270, many of our fabulous guests share some tips so that you can build your mental fortitude and consistently perform well in 2025. Key points relate to rest, recovery and well-being where they identify; managing fatigue, nasal breathing, the importance of rest days, nutrition, hydration, cold water and much more to ensu…

1
269 Do You Want to Make Next Year a Great Year? Why Contact A Sport Psychologist! 11:21

4M ago11:21

11:21

In episode #269 David addresses the question, “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” for the final time as this episode marks the end of an 8 part series. This time he focuses on the following statements “Performance Enhancement: The sports psychologist will help you identify and overcome mental barriers that may be hindering yo…

1
268 Confidentiality: Ethical Considerations for Sport Psychologists 8:14

5M ago8:14

8:14

In today’s episode David explores the importance of confidentiality when working as a Sport Psychologist when supporting clients. He discusses how various environments, such as cafes, public spaces, and formal meeting rooms, can impact a client's comfort and confidentiality. He also emphasizes the need for tailored settings, considering factors lik…

1
267 How to Help Sports Coaches Navigate Anxiety 9:07

5M ago9:07

9:07

In episode #267 of Demystifying Mental Toughness, David discusses the role of a Sport Psychologist in helping coaches manage anxiety. He differentiates between state anxiety, which occurs in specific situations, and trait anxiety, a personality trait influenced by factors such as childhood, genetics, trauma and environment. David goes on to share t…

1
266 How to Help Sports Coaches Cope With Pressure and Stress Better 11:40

5M ago11:40

11:40

Today David considers the statement: “Coping strategies: You’ll develop tools to manage pressure and stress” where he focuses on supporting coaches to improve themselves, and in turn, improve their athletes. This is a continuation of his examination into ChatGPT and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psycholog…

1
265 How to Help Sports Coaches Self Regulate Their Emotions 8:23

5M ago8:23

8:23

Professor Sophia Jowett’s has conducted a lot of research into understanding the interpersonal dynamics between coaches and athletes and is instrumental in raising awareness and changing attitudes around the reciprocity of the relationship and the importance of relational qualities including mutual trust, respect, appreciation, commitment, loyalty,…

1
264 How to Enhance Focus, Motivation and Confidence 13:26

6M ago13:26

13:26

Ensuring that your focus is placed on helpful things, that you stay motivated during difficult times and that your confidence levels remain steady and intact even when you lose form are seen as vitally important components being a top class athlete. In today’s episode, part 3 of David’s investigation into ChatGPT’s and its response to the question …

1
263 30 Further Ideas to Aid Your Performance and Psychological Well-Being 29:52

6M ago29:52

29:52

Welcome to episode #263 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. This week’s episode features lessons from the world of business and entrepreneurship as well as the military. Psychological well-being, mental health, mental fitness and self care are key topics that are highlighted. Enjoy! Connect with David Charlton Sign Up to The Mental Edge J…

1
262 50 Ideas to Aid Your Performance and Psychological Well-Being 48:34

6M ago48:34

48:34

In episode #262 of Demystifying Mental Toughness due to unforeseen circumstances David includes a large number of inspiring take home messages from guests that originated in episode 100 of the podcast. The takeaways that you will hear relate to the development of mental toughness, how you can deal better with stress and adversity. Coping with traum…

1
261 Why Are The Sporting Goals That You Set Yourself Not Helping You 9:00

6M ago9:00

9:00

In part 2 of David’s exploration surrounding ChatGPT’s and its response to the question What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist, David explores the complexities of goal setting. ChatGPT suggests setting SMART goals for performance and psychological well-being are part of working with a Sports Psychologist, which he is in agreement …

1
260 What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist – Part 1 8:01

6M ago8:01

8:01

Today David starts the first of a series of episodes where he looks into ChatGPT’s explanations about the field of sport psychology and adds further detail to help inform you. ChatGPT states “working with a sport psychologist can offer a range of benefits and experiences. Here’s what you might expect: 1. Assessment - Initial sessions often involve …

1
259 The “I MUST FEEL CONFIDENT” to perform well myth 8:46

7M ago8:46

8:46

In episode 259 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses why thinking that you must feel confident to perform well is unhelpful. He uses getting in an ice bath as an analogy to illustrate the mindset of athletes who believe they must feel confident to perform well. He argues that this belief is unrealistic due to the unpredictab…

1
258 Football: How To Overcome Mental Blocks To Improve Your Dribbling Skills 8:27

7M ago8:27

8:27

A common goal when supporting attacking football or soccer players, is overcoming mental blocks when dribbling with the ball in football. This is the topic David discusses in this week’s Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. He goes on to share’s 3 tips to help attacking players overcome such issues with anxiety and confidence, tension, and the te…

1
257 Should I Change My Pre-Shot Routine To Get Better 9:01

7M ago9:01

9:01

In episode 257 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses pre-shot routines in sport. With an emphasis on golf, and the importance of a personalised routine to enhance performance. Key elements include the decision making process, assessing one's state of mind, taking practice swings in a purposeful way, visualizing the shot, foc…

1
256 The Immature Brain: How To Help An Emotional Child 15:46

7M ago15:46

15:46

In this podcast episode, David focuses on the emotional control aspect of mental toughness. Where he discusses the emotional states that children may experience before and during competitions and matches. He shares a personal story about his son's first competitive league football match, highlighting the typical nervousness and arousal levels child…

1
255 3 Tips To Overcome The Fear Of Rejection 7:09

8M ago7:09

7:09

In episode 255 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses the fear of rejection, particularly in the context of how it can hinder sport performance. He shares personal experiences of overcoming this fear, emphasizing its prevalence in sports and life. David offers three tips to manage the fear of rejection; 1) viewing it as part …

1
254 How Can I Perform Better More Consistently? 13:18

8M ago13:18

13:18

Do you welcome challenges and see them as an opportunity to learn? Or do you rarely adapt your routines and fall into the trap of making the same mistakes? In order to make performance break throughs or simply perform at a more consistent level it’s important to see yourself as a “learner.” To look in the mirror and assess the decisions that you ar…

1
253 You MUST get up at 4am to be a SUCCESS 10:10

8M ago10:10

10:10

If you were to get up at 4am every morning, never had a day off and dedicated your life to one cause or goal would you be fully effective? David Charlton goes on to discuss how working hard means different things to different people. How overworking can equal poor decision making. He goes on to share the importance of self-care and being proactive …

1
252 Helping Out Of Contract Professional Footballers 9:38

8M ago9:38

9:38

David Charlton discusses the psychological impact on professional footballers who are out of contract, a common issue in the summer months. These players face financial and emotional uncertainty, often without support from their former clubs. The loss of identity and routine can lead to a grief cycle, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression…

1
251 How To View Big Events As A Challenge 8:03

9M ago8:03

8:03

The Olympics in Paris has recently finished and produced some remarkable performances from many different athletes. Yet for some this Olympics was underwhelming where they may have come away with many “what if” thoughts. In today’s short solo episode I discuss preparation for big events like the Olympics and the importance of a challenge mindset fo…

1
250 Optimising Your Potential By Understanding Your Nervous System Better 58:27

9M ago58:27

58:27

In today’s episode I welcomed Ruth Chiles and Dr Alessia Bruno back on the show, where they discuss helping individuals achieve their hidden potential. They do by using brainspotting, a powerful approach that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of …

1
249 Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports 49:12

9M ago49:12

49:12

Today’s conversation revolves around the challenges of collaboration in coaching in team sports. Where Assistant Professor Dr Edward Hall and I discuss research and practical applications. Points that we touch on include coaches' relationships, preparation and planning in order to foster a culture of trust, loyalty, and accountability. Key Learning…

1
248 Embracing Fear And The Dreaded Yips 53:25

9M ago53:25

53:25

The “yips” is a word that strikes fear into many golfers, cricketers, darts players and many other performers. With the yips, comes huge emotional and physiological responses. Lack of enjoyment, and often thoughts about and decisions to quit your chosen sport or pastime. It doesn’t have to be that way however as Trevor Jones a PGA Professional Golf…

1
247 David Charlton Gets Grilled By Tom Jones 55:54

9M ago55:54

55:54

In today’s episode, I chat with Tom Jones, the founder of Cricket Coach 365 and the University of Manchester Men’s Cricket First Team Coach. Tom goes on to ask me many questions about mental toughness, the role of the environment, how we can help cricketers play to the best of their ability more often and a whole lot more. By listening to this epis…

1
246 How To Deal With The Highs And Lows Of Sport 16:01

10M ago16:01

16:01

Emma Raducanu is a great example of someone whose career was on an upward trajectory, after winning the US Open tennis championship in 2021, aged 18 years old. Since then, her career has been dogged with setbacks and challenges. At Wimbledon this year it was nice to see her perform near to her potential reaching the last 16. Without knowing the det…

1
245 How To Overcome The Fear Of Winning 10:47

10M ago10:47

10:47

During the Wimbledon tennis tournament this week there will many players who are faced with great opportunities to win matches yet will struggle to close out victory. Future thoughts will fill their head about the draw in the next round or the importance of the next point. Their attention may also flit into the past where they replay key points fro…

1
244 How To Deal With Playing Out Of Position In Football 14:41

10M ago14:41

14:41

Currently the European Football Championships are taking place and there has been a lot of talk in the media and with fans about some of England’s footballers playing out of position. With many venting their frustration! In today’s episode I offer my thoughts as a sport psychologist on the challenges of playing out of position as a player, I talk a…

1
243 How I Would Help Rory McIlroy Win The British Open 10:21

10M ago10:21

10:21

On Sunday June 16th at Pinehurst Golf Course in North Carolina, Rory McIlroy had a great opportunity to win the US Open and break his 10 year major trophy drought. Sadly, it didn’t happen for him and two missed short putts on holes 16 and 18 in the final round cost him the win. Bryson DeChambeau went on to be the victor. In today’s episode I offer …

1
242 What Is The Difference Between Mental Toughness And Resilience #BITESIZE 12:23

11M ago12:23

12:23

We’re now 4 years on since the creation of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast therefore David Charlton the host of the podcast made the decision to go back to basics and share an important message busting a myth that exists, that resilience and mental toughness are the same concepts. Today, we go back to the very start of the podcast, where …

1
241 How To Cultivate A Limitless Mindset #BITESIZE 10:53

11M ago10:53

10:53

In this BITE-SIZED episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, Dr. Bob Winters, an internationally recognised sport psychologist who has supported US Men’s and Women’s Open Golf Champions and many other elite professional athletes across a variety of sports joins me. He goes on to tell me about how champions think and cultivating a limitl…

1
240 How To Transfer Your Skills From Training to Competitive Situations #BITESIZE 10:05

11M ago10:05

10:05

Why do athletes work with a Sports Psychologist? One of the biggest reasons is that they struggle to transfer their skills from training to competitive situations. Which provides the topic for today’s episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. Former professional basketball player and author Dre Baldwin goes on to tell me his thoughts on…

1
239 How To Overcome Batting Woes In Cricket #BITESIZE 11:25

11M ago11:25

11:25

Cricket is a unique sport where despite being a team sport it can also be argued to be an individual sport. One of the biggest challenges is batting and dealing with the aftermath of low scores and the walk of shame. In this BITE-SIZED episode, Tom Jones, a highly qualified youth cricket coach and owner of Cricket Coach 365 and I discuss mental tou…

1
238 Are You Really Committed To Your Craft? #BITESIZE 11:57

12M ago11:57

11:57

Penny Mallory was the first woman to drive in the world rally championships. On her way to do so she showed immense commitment to her craft and made lots of sacrifices in pursuit of success. In this bite-sized episode she goes on to share her secrets and the mentality that took her to the top of her sport. Enjoy tuning in! Key Takeaways: Ambition r…

1
237 How To Distance Yourself From Your Thoughts #BITESIZE 7:37

12M ago7:37

7:37

Do you ever believe you are your thoughts? Do you often take your thoughts way too seriously? If so you’ll enjoy today's podcast episode as my guest, Keagen Hadley author of Torn: Overcoming the Psychological Challenges Post-ACL Injury talks about using Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a potentially helpful solution. Specifically we discuss c…

1
236 How To Use ACT and Mindfulness When You’ve Got Lots Of Time To Think #BITESIZE 20:19

12M ago20:19

20:19

In different sports such as golf and cricket, athletes can be placed in situations where they have a lot of thinking time. Too much thinking time for some! Due to their high level of motivation, focus of attention, fatigue, emotions and many other factors this thinking time can create havoc in their minds. As a result, indecision, fear and self-dou…

1
235 How To Use ACT To Improve Your Coaching In Sport #BITESIZE 14:58

1y ago14:58

14:58

Many athletes, golfers or people in everyday life take their thoughts too seriously. They then get caught up overthinking and it causes havoc with their decision making. In golfing terms, paralysis by analysis can take over, when the pressure is on and the result is often poor shots and missed putts. And lots of frustration! In this episode, Trevor…

1
234 How To Combat Overthinking In Sport #BITESIZE 12:41

1y ago12:41

12:41

How often in sport do you see an athlete make the wrong decision under pressure? Often I’d say! Even at the highest level in elite professional sport. Indecision, overthinking, paralysis by analysis, having too much time to think of the consequences, a lack of trust in skills or fear are often the reasons for poor decision making. In this short bit…

1
233 How To Help A Young Footballer Overcome Fear 8:21

1y ago8:21

8:21

In the last of this 3 part series created for parents of young adults and kids who play football or soccer I discuss how fear can wreck a youngsters fun and enjoyment on the pitch. Common responses to fear before matches include performance anxiety, physical sickness, feigning injury and refusing to play. It’s a hugely difficult challenge to naviga…

1
232 How To Remain Composed As a Goalkeeper Under Pressure #BITESIZE 10:17

1y ago10:17

10:17

What is the most mentally challenging position on the football or soccer pitch? Many people would argue it’s the goalkeeper. Common psychological challenges goalkeepers face include; coping with mistakes and bouncing back strongly, dealing with tough and physical opponents, playing the ball out from the back with their feet in uncomfortable situati…

1
231 The Relationship Between Self Esteem, Fun and Football Performance 9:33

1y ago9:33

9:33

In the second of 3 episodes created for parents of young people who play football I carry on the conversation about enjoyment on the football pitch. Where on this occasion I introduce the relationship between enjoyment in football, the impact of playing poorly, performance levels and self-esteem. I go on to discuss what self esteem is, what you cou…

1
230 How To Help Perfectionists Recapture The Fun Part Of Their Sport #BITESIZE 11:07

1y ago11:07

11:07

Today, with my colleague Dr Alessia Bruno we discuss the downsides to perfectionism and how many athletes can get obsessed by their sports, training harder and harder, pushing themselves to the limit. The result can then be burnout, playing in fear or a lack of enjoyment. Enjoy tuning in! Key Learning Points Sport can be seen as a job by perfection…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Psychologicalskillstrainingprogrammefootball Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen