Developing Mentally Tough Athletes

with Mike Lingenfelter,
Co-Director of the Asics Munciana Volleyball Club and Munciana Samurai Head Coach;
2024 Triple Crown Volleyball 'Heart of Sport' Award;
2021 AVCA Club Coach of the Year;
2023: AAU Open Championship (18s);
2022: AAU Open Championship (18s);
2021: AAU Open Championship (18s);
2017: AAU Open Championship (18s);
2011: AAU Open Championship (18s);
2009: AAU Open and JVA National titles (18s);
Coached HS volleyball at Wapahani HS in Selma, IN;
3x Indiana State High School Champions;
3x Indiana State Coach of the Year;
Coaching at the college level (Cincinnati Head Coach - 5 years, Memphis Head Coach - 2 years);
played college volleyball at Ball State University

Mike Lingenfelter brings his unique insights and perspectives to deliver a presentation about mental toughness in today's athletes. The higher the level of volleyball, the more mental toughness it takes to be successful. This video uses a combination of classroom discussion and on-court demonstration to help develop mental toughness in your athletes. Coach Lingenfelter explains how to 'fail forward' and the critical role that failure plays in success. You'll also see him discuss what it means to have players be 'bulletproof' by presenting them with constant challenges and pressure situations.

'Practice the Match'

Lingenfelter explains how the demands placed on players in practice should match those placed on them during games. He walks you through the process of 'being a thermostat' to set the 'temperature' of practice. The role the coach plays in developing consistently competitive athletes is critical, and it starts with not being afraid to challenge players to be their best, while allowing them to fail. Lingenfelter stresses the importance of scoring drills and measuring performance to instill a competitive mindset. He explains how to "win you" before you can win against the team across the net.

Drills to Create a Competitive Culture

The second segment of the video features Coach Lingenfelter on the court, demonstrating drills that help build mentally tough athletes. He walks through seven drills that can be modified to work with a variety of levels. You'll see how to:

• Establish the standard for the practice through drills designed to emphasize starting fast.
• Stress the importance of finishing strong though competition that focuses on playing to your strengths once you get to 20.
• Focus on the role that runs play in a team's success.
• Develop a retaliatory mindset to score quickly in transition.
• Create in-game milestones, like being the first to 10 and 20, to enhance your chances for success.
• Learn drills that will challenge players mentally and physically, to prepare them for the challenges of matches.

Coach Lingenfelter fills his presentations with personal stories and examples that bring his philosophies to light. His passion and personality come to life, and the result is an engaging, well-articulated, informative and useful video that will help every player in your program.

114 minutes. 2020.