In this episode of the Coaching Union podcast, Jonathan Rodriguez delves into the significance of psychosocial characteristics in coaching and athlete development. He emphasizes the need for a structured approach to integrate these characteristics into training, drawing comparisons to established models in other sports. The discussion covers the importance of preparing athletes for emotional challenges, the distinction between psychological skills and characteristics, and practical strategies for fostering resilience, communication, and leadership within teams. Rodriguez also highlights the social dynamics of team sports and the mental aspects that differentiate elite athletes. He concludes with a challenge for coaches to intentionally incorporate psychosocial traits into their practice plans.
List of Psychosocial Characteristics: MacNamara, Button, & Collins (2006, 2010)Pigott, D., & Morgan, G., (2017)
Commitment
Focus and distraction control
Resilience and bouncing back
Self-awareness
Goal setting
Planning and organisation
Realistic performance evaluation
Coping with pressure
Effective imagery
Quality practice
Seeking and using social support
