In this video, Ed chats with a tennis player before her high school match. In this behind-the-scenes look, Ed talks with Sydney about the mental game, what goes on in her mind before and during a match, and how the principles that Ed teaches are very different than traditional sport psychology and mental training approaches.
For information about how you can work with Ed, email: or call 609.558.1077.
My friend used to coach the great Pete Sampras. One day he was training with Pistol Pete, getting him ready for his clay court season…his least favorite surface. Well, my friend proceeded to beat Sampras in three groundstroke games in a row, and as they were getting some water, he thought, “I just beat Pete Sampras three games in a row. He must feel terrible losing to his coach. What could I say to him to make him feel better?”
Before he could think of something to say, Sampras walked up to him and said, “That was GREAT! I really feel like I’m ready for the clay court season!”
Shocked, my friend thought, “What?!? How could he feel great after losing to a coach? That’s not normal.”
In a way, great athletes are not normal.
To me, what set Pete Sampras apart from everyone else was what was going on between his ears…his thoughts. He didn’t lose confidence when he lost. He gained confidence because he focused on the process and looked at his training as preparation, not a blow to his ego. Did he ever have negative thoughts? Of course he did.
We all have negative thoughts.
But Pete Sampras didn’t concern himself with his thoughts. He saw the game differently. Was the game actually different? No, only in his mind.
We all have the free will to look at any situation in any way that we choose. It’s not our situation or circumstances that affect our feelings, it’s our thoughts. 100 percent of the time.
The next time you find yourself in a “negative” situation, see if you can see it differently. See if you can see it like Pete Sampras.
Thanks for reading.
Players get better after their coach gets better.
Students get better after their teacher gets better.
Employees get better after their manager gets better.
Many coaches, teachers and managers wonder why their players, students and employees are not getting optimal results.
But it’s not about the players, students or employees.
It’s about the coaches, teachers and managers.
So what can you do?
1. Lead by example. Others will follow.
2. Show your passion. It will be contagious.
3. Respect EVERYONE. We are all equal.
4. Strive for constant improvement. We can always improve our craft.
5. Develop a TEAM-first mentality. The great ones know individual goals come second.