In this episode, George is joined by Michael Huber to explore how mental performance training can help athletes become more present, resilient, and adaptable under pressure. Michael shares practical strategies for mindfulness, self-talk, visualization, and communication, while also discussing how coaches can build mentally challenging practice environments that better prepare players for real-game adversity.

Chapters:
01:00 – Introduction to Michael Huber and mental performance coaching

02:00 – Defining mental performance and helping athletes apply skills in competition

03:30 – Awareness, mindfulness, and learning to stay present under pressure

05:00 – Using breathing, self-talk, and visualization to regulate emotions in games

06:30 – Why meditation can strengthen focus, awareness, and emotional control

08:00 – Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and building stillness through daily routines

09:30 – Understanding "anchors" and creating intentional pre-game habits

11:00 – Using notebooks, intentions, and controllable goals before games

12:30 – Helping athletes focus on impact beyond scoring and statistics

14:00 – Why communication and role clarity are critical for coaches and players

15:30 – Lessons from podcast conversations about coaching, transitions, and leadership

17:00 – Preparing athletes mentally for the next level before they arrive there

18:30 – Why practice environments can never fully replicate game pressure

20:00 – Helping athletes balance personal goals with team systems and coaching styles

21:30 – Encouraging players to ask questions and communicate with coaches effectively

23:00 – Designing practices that intentionally build mental resilience and adversity

24:30 – Using constraints, penalties, and game-like challenges to train emotional control

26:00 – Transformative Tip

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EP166: Mental Performance Coach Michael Huber on Improving Mental Performance

The Transforming Basketball Podcast

EP166: Mental Performance Coach Michael Huber on Improving Mental Performance