Patrick Cohn

Dr. Patrick Cohn is an expert mental performance coach who has helped athletes for over 30 years enhance their performance. Dr. Cohn earned a master's degree in sports psychology from CSUF and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, specializing in Applied Sports Psychology.

How to Overcome Excuses to Improve Performance in Sports

How Excuses Hurt Your Mindset in Sports Summary: Excuses undermine an athlete’s performance by shifting responsibility to outside factors. Successful athletes take full control, focus on adjustments, and approach challenges as problems to solve. Visualization and reflection on past competitions help reinforce a mindset of responsibility. Excuses, excuses, excuses… Excuses are the enemy of any … Sport Psychology Article>>

How Athletes Can Balance Sports and Life

Are You a 24/7 Athlete? Be a Balanced Athlete Summary: Focusing exclusively on training can create pressure and increase the risk of burnout. Athletes perform best when they balance sport with personal life, downtime, and hobbies. Setting a schedule, maintaining interests outside athletics, and separating competition from daily life helps athletes recharge, stay passionate, and … Sport Psychology Article>>

5 Tips for Helping Kids Experience The Benefits of Youth Sports

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Focus on Fun For Your Athletes Summary: Youth sports offer far more value when the focus is on fun, personal growth, and participation rather than chasing scholarships or elite status. Parents should emphasize teamwork, discipline, confidence, and mental skills that transfer to everyday life. Avoid overspending on equipment and reduce pressure to perform, allowing children … Sport Psychology Article>>

Performing With Trust in Tryouts

How to Mentally Prepare For Tryouts

How to Mentally Prepare For Tryouts Summary: Athletes preparing for middle school or high school tryouts should focus on confidence, composure, and mental readiness. Coaches value potential and how players handle challenges, not just flawless performance. Let go of expectations, stay focused on each play, and respond positively to mistakes or feedback. Many athletes always … Sport Psychology Article>>

How to Control Your Focus

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How to Manage Pressure Like MVP Summary: James Harden’s journey from sixth man to NBA MVP highlights the importance of preparation, perseverance, and team focus. While individual recognition feels rewarding, Harden emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from pursuing team success, such as winning a championship. He views pressure as a sign of being unprepared and … Sport Psychology Article>>

Improving Athletic Team Culture

How Team Culture Impacts Team Success Summary: Effective leadership and team culture are key to success. Leaders shape the environment through consistent, positive behavior, while a strong culture drives performance. Teams perform better when leaders focus on supporting teammates, modeling effort and values, and creating an atmosphere of respect and collaboration. What is the leadership … Sport Psychology Article>>