From Training to Competition
Helping skills transfer
QUOTE
“Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent.”
— Vince Lombardi
OBSERVATION
I see a lot of coaches run crisp, structured drills that look great on film… but don’t actually hold up under pressure. Why?
Because they’re clean — but not game-like. Players move through the drill, but don’t have to think, react, or adapt. They rep a movement, not a moment.
As an example: In football, we coach effort, energy, and reps. But when it comes to real skill development — decision-making, attention, and trust — most drills fall short.
The biggest offenders I see?
Too many moving parts at once - especially for new athletes
Drills that don’t simulate live cues/decision-making
Mental reps that are too passive and/or do not mimic on field reps
Not as much focused pressure/testing built into the learning
ACTIONABLE IDEA
Help coaches design drills around focus and decision-making
Before the rep:
🔹 Identify one key cue — a movement, a read, a trigger
🔹 Ask: “What decision are we training here?”
🔹 Add a stressor: time limit, tempo, or a decision rule
For mental reps:
Football example: Have players call out their key, their read, and their reaction — even when they’re on the sideline. Watching your position isn’t enough. Reps should simulate game thinking.
Bottom line:
Stop chasing reps. Start building intention. Skill only transfers when it’s trained with intention.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Free Branding Webinar end of July. Hosted by myself and colleague Dr. Jess Garza.
When: July 29th and 30th
Time: 7-8pm CDT
Link to Register: https://calendly.com/thementalperformanceinstitute-info/branding-webinar
LOOKING FOR MORE SUPPORT
The Mental Performance Institute offers on-going support options via membership, provides tools and frameworks, and CMPC mentorship. Flexible, and focused on developing real-world skillsets to consult with confidence.
Thank you for continuing to enjoy The CMPC Playbook blog!
Russ