How To Help Professional Rugby Players Perform Better Under Pressure #BITESIZE
Aaron Walsh, otherwise known as “Walshy” is an experienced Performance Coach. His main areas of focus are developing leadership, culture and mental performance programs for teams. Currently working with Chiefs in Super Rugby as well as consulting to Harlequins, Scottish Rugby, Texas Rangers and Basketball New Zealand. Aaron has worked in MLB, NRL and with various national teams. He is also currently coaching multiple corporate leadership teams in creating and maintaining a high performance working environments. He is sought after and highly regarded presenter that is comfortable in both sporting and corporate environments.
In episode #171 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness, former Professional Australian Rugby League player and now an inspiring speaker and personal trainer, David Lindsay talks to me about ways you can improve your vitality to improve your chances of success. We also touch on Mental Toughness in a Professional Rugby League as well as discussing the psychological side to martial arts.
Key Learning Points:
- When you are smaller than others learning to play to and improve your strengths is important.
- “The mental game beats the physical game every day.”
- You can control yourself not your opponent, so don’t waste time focusing too much on them.
- Mental Toughness in a Rugby League setting is all about your ability to keep moving forwards despite pressures that exist.
- A bigger picture mentality without too much emotion is necessary to perform at the peak of your powers.
- To psych yourself up, consider energising music or rituals like the All Blacks “Haka.”
- Visualisation and self-talk are other useful tools to improve your energy and intensity levels.
- Ensuring you look after yourself with adequate rest and recovery is essential to raise your vitality.
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5 Relevant Podcast Episodes
Ep015: Nick Grantham – Essential Elements of Rest and Recovery
Ep106: Amy Rowlinson – Why is knowing my WHY important?
Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete
Ep134: David Charlton – Observations: 3 Things That Stop You Achieving Your Goals
EP138: Nick Littlehales – Why do the Mentally Tough see Sleep and Recovery as Important
4 Relevant blogs
Blog: How To Play Well When You Aren’t Feeling Great
Blog: Mental Preparation for Combat Sports
Blog: Does Your Warm Up Influence How You Perform?
Blog: Helping Young Rugby Players Mentally Prepare Before Matches
3 Valuable resources
Understanding yourself better – The 4Ts. Timing, Thoughts, Tension and Temperature
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Best Wishes
David Charlton
Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally. David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.
Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub. With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly.
T: +44 7734 697769
