Performance Blog

by Garret Kramer

I found the sports world’s debate last week about Derek Jeter’s honesty (after feigning that he was hit by a pitch) to be interesting.  For one, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter rarely involves himself in controversy.  Secondly, and most importantly, it demonstrates a lack of understanding about a topic I often write about—an [...]

by Garret Kramer
I am often asked: what is the most important aspect of your coaching philosophy?  My answer is always the same: understanding the principle of thought.  I know it sounds a little “out there,” but, in truth, this understanding is essential for sustained contentment and success.  In fact, before an Inner Sports seminar last [...]

by Garret Kramer

This summer my 16 year old son, Jackson, played on a travel baseball team coached by a 24 year old young man with virtually no mentoring experience whatsoever.  The organization had originally planned for the team to be led by a more seasoned and mature coach, but following the first game of the [...]

by Garret Kramer
When I was a young athlete, there was a common belief that you should always be careful to keep your emotions in check.  No matter what was going on in the game or tournament, it was always best to operate at about level 7.  Not too high, not too low; always poised and under [...]

by Garret Kramer
Following last week’s article, I received tremendous feedback.  Many of you are intrigued with the unique coaching paradigm introduced, and just about all of the examples presented in your e-mails perfectly exemplify this simple approach.  Some of you, however, asked me about the viewpoint of the athlete.  That is, what is the best learning [...]

by Garret Kramer
Late last month, I was presenting a coaching seminar to a group of high school football coaches, and we got on the subject of coaching styles.  Many members of the audience insisted that one size doesn’t fit all.  As one of the coaches said, “There are many ways to coach successfully.”
While I certainly [...]

by Garret Kramer
Last week I received a call from the father of a collegiate athlete whom I have worked with for two seasons.  The father said his older boy (my client) was doing well, but he needed some advice on handling the plight of his younger son—Matt (I have changed his name).
The father was concerned [...]

by Garret Kramer
Dallas Cowboy rookie Dez Bryant’s recent predicament has really made me think about the subject of hazing at all levels of team sports.  From high school to the pros, rookie initiation rituals are pretty much the accepted practice—I would be embarrassed even to mention some of the things that went on during my [...]

by Garret Kramer

Late last week, I was speaking to a successful client who was struggling with thoughts about the impending end to his professional playing career.  He called me because he wasn’t feeling good about things and, at the moment, simply couldn’t decide whether or not the time had come to call it quits.  He [...]

by Garret Kramer
Yesterday I received a joyous call from a baseball client.  A pitcher, this player first came to see me about two months ago because, in spite of numerous nerve-calming exercises prescribed by his team’s sports psychologist, he was struggling with his performance on the mound.  Believe it or not, he judged that his lack [...]