Harnessing Mental Fitness: A Coach's Journey with Ryan Humpal
In this episode of the 'Love Your Inner Athlete' podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Ryan Humpal, a versatile sports coach and head coach for Amory High School football. The conversation spans Ryan’s extensive coaching career, his experience winning a state championship at Luck, Wisconsin, and the vital role mental fitness plays for athletes. Through various anecdotes, Ryan highlights the impact mental fitness training has had on his teams, helping them stay focused, manage stress, and maintain resilience. Key insights include methods like controlled breathing, maintaining present focus, and hands-on interactive sessions that emphasize tangible mental fitness tools. Ryan also shares personal stories, such as how these techniques have benefited not only his athletes but also his parenting and former refereeing duties.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:50 Meet Coach Ryan Humpal
01:38 First Impressions and Feedback
03:31 Visualization and Mental Fitness
04:21 Impact of Mental Fitness on Performance
07:56 Coaching Philosophy and Mental Toughness
15:23 Applying Mental Fitness in Coaching and Parenting
18:00 Overcoming Apprehension and Building Buy-In
20:27 Exploring the Use of Training Cards
20:55 Mousetrap Exercise and Team Building
22:43 Hiring for Keynote Speeches
25:45 Challenges in Mental Fitness Training
27:35 The Importance of Mental Fitness in Sports
28:37 Dad Jokes and Family Traditions
31:49 Reflections on Coaching and Success
33:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com/ to learn more about Mental Fitness and take your next step!
Learn more about Hans Skulstad:
Follow Center for Sports and the Mind, as well as Hans, on social platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Sports-and-the-Mind/100044301706608/
https://x.com/2ChallengeMind