Insights and articles.
From the lab.
Field-tested ideas on mental toughness, peak performance, and clinical recovery. Written for athletes, parents, and coaches.
Featured · Mental ToughnessJune 2026 · 9 min read
Pole vault mental blocks: why elite athletes run through, and how to fix it
What's really happening when a vaulter can't jump, and the two protocols we use to rewire the brain, body, and nervous system.
By Robert B. Andrews, MA, LMFT
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CoachingMotivating and inspiring athletes: six principles that actually work
Motivation isn't a pre-game speech. It's a system of purpose, clarity, safety, communication, modeling, and autonomy.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Peak PerformanceMental toughness in skating, skiing, and high-pressure sports
Lessons from the 2026 Olympic arena: the mind is the real arena, and the difference between gold and eighth place is mental.
February 2026 · 7 min read
RecoveryFear of reinjury can contribute to further injury
Why cleared by your PT isn't the same as ready to compete, and what to do when fear is sabotaging your return.
January 2026 · 5 min read
Mental ToughnessWhy mental toughness training is non-negotiable for today's athlete
Physical talent will get you to the level. Mental mastery is what keeps you there, and separates good from great.
November 2025 · 5 min read
CultureCultural change: the complicated relationship between change and pain
"Nothing ever changes unless there's some pain." Why real culture change in sport is uncomfortable, and worth it.
October 2025 · 6 min read
YouthMental toughness for young athletes: unlocking their full potential
What parents and coaches of youth athletes need to know about building the mental skills that actually transfer to competition.
September 2025 · 7 min read
FamilyThe fall season: transition time for athletes
On the freshmen leaving home, the transitions nobody talks about, and how families can support the move from kid to college athlete.
August 2025 · 5 min read
RecoveryUnderstanding the Traumatic Nature of ACL Injuries
For many athletes, coming back from a severe sports-related injury is a terrifying ordeal. They have been cleared to play physically, but their fear of suffering another injury…
March 2023 · 4 min read
Mental ToughnessThe Transfer Portal: The New Gauntlet for Athletes
Recently, I’ve had a handful of intriguing yet challenging conversations about the transfer portal with the collegiate student-athletes I work with. These talks have sparked my…
November 2022 · 5 min read
Mental ToughnessOvercoming Mental Blocks in Sports
This season of life has been an emotional roller coaster for many in our nation. The adjustments we’ve had to make to stay healthy have been significant. The adjustments due to a…
April 2020 · 5 min read
FamilyWhat Happens When a Season Disappears?
Drug and Alcohol Issues and the Sports Shutdown — with gyms, fields, pools, and competitions closing overnight, athletes are left without structure, routine, or accountability.
April 2020 · 3 min read
Mental ToughnessCancelled Seasons and the Mental and Emotional Wellbeing of Athletes
The coronavirus outbreak has sent a shock wave of anxiety and concern throughout the world of sports. The MLB, the NBA, and the new XFL have postponed or canceled their seasons.
March 2020 · 3 min read
FamilyA Parents Guide to the Sports Shutdown
The shutdown of schools and all sports programs has created quite a shock wave in the families, homes, and lives of athletes who suddenly find themselves without a sport.
March 2020 · 6 min read
CoachingLearning Styles and Effective Coaching: Empowering Your Athlete To Their Full Potential
Every athlete has a way of being taught and coached that ignites their passion for their respective sport. Finding the most effective and efficient way to coach your athletes can…
September 2018 · 7 min read
CultureUSAG Sexual Abuse Scandal Is A Symptom Of Deeper Issues
The USAG sexual abuse scandal has rocked the gymnastics community to its core. Many are questioning what went wrong, while others seek to maintain the status quo.
September 2017 · 9 min read
Mental ToughnessUnderstanding Mental Tumbling Blocks
When an athlete can't do backward skills or tumble, it is not because they don't want to. It is because their brain won't let them.
December 2016 · 1 min read
Mental ToughnessGymnastics season is here. Are you working on your mental skills too?
Kickstart the gymnastics season by enhancing your mental skills. Discover key techniques for mental strength and focus in gymnastics.
December 2016 · 2 min read
Peak PerformanceTexas Monthly on Simone Biles and Her Mental Training Expert Robert Andrews
Discover Texas Monthly's feature on Simone Biles and her mental training with expert Robert Andrews, highlighting their dynamic collaboration.
July 2016 · 2 min read
RecoveryWhat Do PTSD, War Veterans, And Injured Athletes Have In Common?
Explore the surprising similarities between PTSD in war veterans and injured athletes, and the importance of mental health in recovery.
May 2016 · 2 min read
RecoveryPre-Surgery Treatment of Mental and Emotional Aspects of Sports Related Injuries
Learn about the crucial role of addressing mental and emotional factors before surgery for sports-related injuries for optimal recovery.
April 2016 · 6 min read
FamilyParenting Athletes and Enjoying the Journey
Parenting your athlete can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have. It can also be incredibly stressful and trying, causing many sleepless nights.
March 2016 · 2 min read
Mental ToughnessOvercoming Tumbling Blocks in Cheer and Gymnastics
Discover strategies for athletes in cheer and gymnastics to overcome tumbling blocks and enhance performance through mental training.
January 2016 · 2 min read
Peak PerformanceMental Toughness and Mindfulness in Sports
Explore the integration of mental toughness and mindfulness in sports, enhancing athlete performance and well-being.
January 2015 · 3 min read
Peak PerformanceWhy Baseball and Softball Hitters Stare At The Bat
Uncover the psychology behind why baseball and softball hitters stare at the bat, and its impact on focus and performance.
June 2014 · 3 min read
RecoveryKobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, and Lindsey Vonn Injuries Reveal the Missing Link in Injury Recovery
Examine how injuries of athletes like Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, and Lindsey Vonn highlight a crucial, often overlooked aspect of recovery.
January 2014 · 5 min read
RecoveryNFL Injuries Mount Up And So Does Toll On Players
Explore the impact of mounting NFL injuries on players, focusing on both the physical and psychological toll in professional football.
October 2013 · 4 min read
RecoveryRobert Griffin III Causes for Concern
Delve into the challenges and concerns surrounding Robert Griffin III's career, focusing on injury risks and performance implications.
September 2013 · 4 min read
FamilyLeaving Home: Athletes and Transitions
Explore the emotional and mental journey athletes face when leaving home, and strategies for successful adaptation and growth.
August 2013 · 5 min read
CultureToxic Coaching - Out With The Old In With The New
Discover the impacts of toxic coaching on athletes and the shift towards more positive, empowering coaching methods in sports.
May 2013 · 5 min read
RecoveryWhat Kevin Ware's Injury Can Teach Us About Sports Injury Trauma
Explore the lessons from Kevin Ware's injury on sports trauma, emphasizing psychological recovery and resilience in athletes.
April 2013 · 3 min read
CoachingHitting Slumps and Coaching Errors
Examine the causes of hitting slumps in sports and how coaching errors can contribute, offering strategies for improvement and recovery.
March 2013 · 2 min read
Mental ToughnessHelp I Can't Tumble! Working Through the Mental Blocks to Tumbling
Find strategies to overcome mental blocks in tumbling, offering guidance for athletes struggling with this common gymnastics challenge.
December 2012 · 4 min read
FamilyPositive Parenting for Gymnastics
Explore effective positive parenting techniques in gymnastics to support young athletes' growth, confidence, and performance.
August 2012 · 6 min read
FamilyIntrusive Parents in the Training Room
Discussing the impact of intrusive parenting on athletes’ training and development, with insights for maintaining healthy boundaries.
November 2011 · 2 min read
Peak PerformanceSports Meltdowns: Avoiding the Inner Storm
Learn how to prevent sports meltdowns with techniques to manage internal pressure and maintain composure under challenging conditions.
July 2011 · 5 min read
RecoverySports Injuries and Shame - What's Wrong With the Athlete Who Needs Help?
Addressing the stigma and shame often associated with sports injuries, and advocating for a supportive approach to athlete recovery.
October 2010 · 5 min read
RecoverySports Injuries: Throwing A Stone In A Pond
Explore the ripple effects of sports injuries on athletes' lives and the importance of holistic recovery approaches in sports medicine.
June 2010 · 4 min read
Peak PerformanceNow That Is Olympic Glory – The Institute of Sports Performance
Delve into the true essence of Olympic glory, celebrating the spirit, resilience, and triumphs of athletes on the world stage.
February 2010 · 5 min read
Peak PerformanceHandling Performance Pressure: Keys to Understanding Your Peak Pressure Range
Uncover strategies to manage performance pressure effectively, learning to identify and optimize your peak pressure range in sports.
November 2009 · 3 min read
RecoveryYour Brain: A Key Muscle in Rehabilitation
Discover how your brain plays a crucial role in physical rehabilitation, and learn techniques to harness its power for faster recovery.
November 2008 · 6 min read
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