
Coaching to support mental skills development
3 July 2026This course supports coaches to help people develop the skills and behaviours needed to maximise their potential in a sporting context.
Focusing on the foundations of learning, progress and performance, the course explores how coaches can intentionally develop qualities such as confidence, self-belief, resilience, emotional control, commitment and the ability to cope with pressure and setbacks. It also considers how individuals can effectively manage competing demands such as school, family and sport.
Rather than relying on isolated ‘mental skills’ sessions or limited psychological support, this course helps coaches become more psychologically informed, enabling them to integrate these principles into everyday coaching practice. The aim is to support the development of consistent habits that underpin long-term potential.
Course ambitions
In this course, we will explore how to:
- Develop confidence and self-belief in sport.
- Build the ability to cope with pressure, respond positively to setbacks and deal with failure.
- Strengthen motivation and long-term commitment to deliberate practice.
- Improve focus and concentration to enhance learning and performance.
- Support individuals to take ownership of their development and manage competing demands.
- Enhance the coach to athlete interaction to improve coaching effectiveness.
Who is this for?
This course is ideal for:
- Coaches who want to develop the full potential of the people they work with.
- Coaches who recognise that technical, tactical and physical development alone is not enough.
- Individuals responsible for athlete development environments.
- Open-minded coaches willing to learn through experience and reflection.
What to expect
- Engaging discussions, inquiry-driven learning and reflective exercises during sessions.
- A collaborative atmosphere where coaches are encouraged to share experiences and learn from one another.
Learner expectation
- Learners will do their very best to commit to attending the full course.
- Actively participate in the learning activities.
- In between sessions, learners will practically apply and experiment with what they have learnt in practice.
Course structure
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: 6 x 90-minute online sessions, held every two weeks, with an additional sharing event at the end of the course
- Dates: September 2026 – more details coming soon.
Cost
The course is £75 per person.
Swim England