Backup Players | Raven Gerald

You can't have a winning team without a strong starting lineup, but what about the unsung heroes waiting in the wings—the backup players? They often spend the majority of their careers on the sidelines, yet their mental strength and readiness to step up at a moment's notice are critical components of a team's success.

As a backup player, you're expected to put in the same, if not more, effort during practice compared to the starters. When game time comes, you're called upon with little notice, asked to perform near your potential despite not being in a rhythm like starters often are. So, how can backup players utilize sports psychology to maintain motivation throughout their careers and be at their best when opportunity knocks?

Welcome to the sport psychology of, I’m Gabe Zelico. Today, we’re breaking down the sport psychology of backup players.

Joining me today is Raven Gerald, a Sport and Performance Psychology doctoral student at the University of Western States and a Mental Skills Coach for athletes. She recently started a business called Undefeated Sport Psychology through which she helps athletes build their character, confidence, and craft. Raven has 8 years of college basketball coaching experience to go along with over a decade of youth coaching experience. Prior to her coaching career, she played college basketball at the Division I & II levels, helping lead her teams to multiple championships. We cover a variety of challenges that backup players encounter throughout a season, as well as those critical moments when they're thrown into the spotlight during a high-stakes game—a moment that can make or break their future in the sport.

Enjoy!

Raven's personal Twitter and Instagram

Undefeated Sport Psychology Website, Twitter and Instagram

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If you want to start working on your mental game, try out 1 on 1 sport psychology coaching with me, Gabe Zelico, by visiting my website ⁠⁠www.zelicoperformance.com⁠⁠ and schedule a free introductory call where we’ll discuss your goals, obstacles to success, and determine if we’d be a good fit to move forward.

You can also email me directly at gabriel@zelicoperformance.com regarding private coaching or the podcast.

Music by Ben Zelico.

Disclaimer:
The Sport Psychology Of podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not represent mental health care services, including the giving of mental health care advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining mental health care for any condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.