About the Episode

David Durand shares his journey to becoming a mental performance consultant and outlines practical strategies for coaching Gen Z athletes.

David introduces a nervous system framework to help coaches understand dysregulation, manage athlete anxiety, and improve co-regulation.

The discussion emphasizes how fostering connection, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries with social media helps modern athletes thrive.

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Guest Info: David Durand

• Mental performance consultant trained in clinical and sport psychology who helps performers manage pressure.
• Works with youth to professional athletes to build confidence and manage stress.

• Author of B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond and Better Than Before: A Psychological Guide for Injured Athletes

• Guest’s Website: https://realdevelopment.org/

• Guest's Substack: https://daviddurand.substack.com/

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CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Chapters

00:00 David Durand's Journey in Sports and Psychology

03:10 Understanding Mental Blocks in Athletes

05:50 The Impact of Social Dynamics on Performance

09:04 Exploring the Modes of Athlete Regulation

11:51 Coaching Strategies for Different Athlete States

28:20 Navigating Tunnel Vision in Athletes

32:31 Understanding Shutdown Mode in Athletes

41:21 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes

47:46 Reflections on Coaching and Athlete Development

Takeaways

• Understanding mental blocks can help coaches support athletes better.
• Connection mode is crucial for optimal performance.
• Social pain can affect athletes just like physical pain.
• Shutdown mode is often misinterpreted as laziness.
• Coaches can use co-regulation to help athletes.
• Breath, eyes, and touch are effective tools for regulation.
• Social media can detract from athlete performance.
• Building relationships is key to successful coaching.
• Athletes should be encouraged to engage with their emotions.