Mark Zimmermann’s Post

Super proud of the rapid expansion of our sports Mental Skills MPT Method into AFL in Australia! Great work Jack Wachtel, Jason Garner and the On The Mark Coaching team. Mental skills in sports is the SOFTWARE that enables the HARDWARE to perform consistently well under pressure and in those high performance environments. If you are yet to work with a sports mindset and mental skills coach, drop us a line and let’s start with a chat… #mptmethod #mindset #mentaldkills #afl #aflmentskills

Commitment to Building Strong Minds in AFL On & Off the Field On The Mark Coaching and the MPT Method has now made it’s presence in AFL. Working closely with the U19s and Premier Senior AFL Team at the UTS Bats - UTS Sport on our five week mindset shift program. These groups are committed to themselves and the team, not just focusing on the ‘Hardware’ (Physical Strength) but to ensure the ‘Software’ (Mental Strength) is worked on equally, if not more importantly. The groups have dived deep into the MPT Method and the relationship between Mindset, Performance and Team, and how Emotions play into this relationship on and off the field. The initial session has supported players and coaches to open their minds to what’s possible and the tools and resources to help get them to their desired outcome. We’ve covered important mental skills topics such as: 1. Bouncing back from Mistakes 2. Controlling Emotions 3. Internal Dialogue (Inner Voice) - Silencing the Inner Critic The MPT Method, backed by Sports Psychology is now across AFL, Rugby Union and Rugby League in NSW/ACT. It’s fantastic to see coaches and athletes embracing the importance of this in their sporting careers and personal lives. Keep upgrading the ‘Software’ to enable the ‘Hardware’ to operate at peak levels consistently. I look forward to continuing to work with the UTS Bats, and delivering the MPT Method. On The Mark Coaching Mark Zimmermann Jason Garner #afl #mindset #mentalskills #aflmentalskills #mptmethod #onthemarkcoaching

I love it when a plan comes together! As a mental skills coach in rugby I am lucky enough to work with some great schools, clubs, federations, teams and players across the rugby landscape, both locally and internationally. Saturday was special, as I’ve recently started working with an iconic Sydney based GPS school, The Scots College, as their rugby mental skills coach (1 & 2 XV sides, and U16A). It was an absolutly fantastic batch of wins on the weekend for The Scots 1XV rugby side as well as 2nds & U16A’s, all of which were away games at The Kings School. We tend to focus so much on building the hardware, but when it comes to being the complete package in a high performance environment we need to ensure we work on the software too! Mental skills in competitive sports covers many key areas, which includes: ** Controling emotions / being cool under pressure. ** Developing the mental skills to bounce back quickly from mistakes. ** Adopting a “Me” vs “Me” mindset to enable the process of embracing continuous improvement. ** Applying effective positive imagery, positive visualisation and manifestation techniques ** Boosting communication skills as well as nurturing the mindset required to enhance cohesion, strengthen team culture, improve discipline (on and off field), and establish strong motivation levels. There is so much more to mental skills coaching in team sports than most coaches and players realise, and we enjoy coaching these skills through our own mental skills program called The MPT Method. Teams that are blessed with talent can fall into the trap of being labeled a “team of champions”, which is why we focus on helping teams build cohesion to become “champion teams”. Jason Garner Jack Wachtel Milena Raaff On The Mark Coaching #rugbymindset #sportsmindset #gpsrugby #rugbymentalskills #sportsmentalskills

Building mental toughness in rugby begins with building mental fitness & mental strength… On The Mark Coaching was invited to Marist College Canberra to deliver two, back to back rugby mental skills workshops to a full house. These awesome players, coaches and parents were introduced to The MPT Method & topics that align goals & values, support ways that help players manage and reduce pre game stress and anxiety, share ideas on how to further strengthen cohesion and culture, enhance performance in high pressure scenarios, eliminate self doubt, assist in dealing with disappointment…and far more tools to help develop the software (mental skills) to enable the hardware to operate at peak optimal levels. Top teams understand that the mental components of sport creates the complete package. It’s the difference between fielding a team of champions and fielding a champion team. As hard as it is to believe, there are still teams out there focusing purely on the hardware, and mental skills are merely an after thought, or a reactive thought after a loss. Top athletes & top teams win consistently because they have experienced mental skills coaches as a part of their pit crew. Mindset is everything If you’d like to arrange a rugby mental skills talk or workshop for your team, school, club or group of coaches, simply click the link below and contact us. The MPT Method is our sports mental skills program and we apply it to rugby union, rugby league, AFL, soccer, cricket, netball, hockey, basketball and many more sports. W: www.otmcoaching.com.au #mptmethod #rugbymentalskills #rugbymindset #mindset

🏉 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 🏉 In coaching youth rugby, one of the unique challenges – and opportunities – some of us experience is working with players from both state and private school backgrounds. Our club team reflects a mix of experiences: some players have ample access to training, facilities, and resources, while others bring raw talent and resilience but may have less exposure to structured coaching. This diversity is a strength, but it also requires conscious effort to bridge the gap and create a cohesive environment. As coaches, we have an incredible role to play here: 1. Equalise Training Opportunities: Bringing players up to the same tactical level by focusing on core skills that everyone can work on. For state school players, providing more foundational rugby knowledge can be a game-changer, while private school players benefit from being pushed to lead and mentor. 2. Build Respect and Understanding: Encouraging players to learn from each other’s journeys fosters respect. When players understand the different challenges and privileges their teammates face, they gain a new perspective on teamwork and empathy – two cornerstones of rugby. 3. Champion a Growth Mindset: By instilling values of humility, hard work, and resilience, we can balance any sense of privilege with the hunger to improve. Creating a space where every player feels valued, regardless of background, shapes a supportive and unified team. Ultimately, rugby isn’t just about skills and strategy; it’s about character and camaraderie. By bridging these differences, we not only build better players but also foster a team culture rooted in respect and unity. Let’s keep using our role as coaches to nurture this kind of environment. 🏆 #YouthRugby #Coaching #TeamBuilding #InclusiveCoaching #RugbyDevelopment

Developing young athletes minds to understand that talent alone can't get you to your desired outcomes as an elite athlete. Talent becomes powerless if you cannot master your mind and belief in yourself. Creating a balanced understanding and application of the Software (Mental Skills) and the Hardware (Physical Skills) in elite sport gives teams the best opportunity to build momentum towards growth and success. In this clip, UTS Bats U19's Head Coach, Dion Shaw, shares his and the players experience of just how important our group sessions were towards opening up dialogue to dispel outdated beliefs and build updated beliefs in themselves as a playing group. Creating a safe environment where the team felt comfortable to share openly their thoughts and feelings towards further growth as a team. The highest performing athletes, coaches and teams all understand the significance of just how effective and important the software is to ensuring the hardware operates at it's optimal capacity. If you're an athlete or coach and are only just beginning to understand the importance of this, it's time you connect with us at On The Mark Coaching. Thank you to Dion Shaw for your insight in this short extract from one of our webinars. On The Mark Coaching Mark Zimmermann Jason Garner UTS Sport AFL - Australian Football League #mentalskills #mindsetcoaching #mptmethod #aflmentalskills #aflmindset #aflconfidence #onthemarkcoaching

Holistic coaching should be about teaching athletes as human beings both inside and outside the sporting environment, and about developing athletes who are not only competitive and competent in their sport, but are equipped with some of the tools to survive and thrive in life outside the sport domain. There's enormous pressure on professional sports' teams to win and, as Gearoid Prendergast, to develop players to play in the red of Munster and Green of Ireland. I wonder, though, if clubs actually know what holistic coaching involves and are equipped to fulfil its needs. https://lnkd.in/e5JQqqbp

Over the last few weeks I have been carving out time for IDP’s. Players have set individual performance goals for the next part of the season, clear, technically challenging, holistic development opportunities. Each of them have been so different. For me as a coach, the magic has been in the conversations and getting to know a little bit more about the human being, their family, their course, their passions, how they feel about rugby and simply being at university.  On nearly every occasion it has deepened my understanding of them as an individual. Coaching a large squad in a sport like rugby it can be challenging getting to know people when there are 45-50 people on a pitch.  1 to 1’s have been a brilliant opportunity to deepen coach-athlete relationships.  Wondering how else can you foster getting to know your people? #rugbycoaching  #coach 

Empathy is essential for a football coach because it builds trust, unity, and respect within the team. When players feel understood and supported, they’re more likely to open up about challenges, whether on the field or in their personal lives. This openness allows the coach to provide guidance that resonates with each player individually, helping to foster resilience, commitment, and mental well-being. An empathetic coach is better equipped to manage emotions and motivate players through highs and lows. By connecting on a personal level, the coach can recognize each player’s strengths and struggles, tailoring feedback and encouragement to inspire growth. In a sport where team dynamics are key, empathy helps players feel valued and boosts morale, creating a more cohesive, motivated, and resilient team—qualities that often translate directly into better performance on the pitch. UWC South East Asia 🇸🇬 East Football Academy 🐉 #Coaching ⚽️

🌟 **10 Tips for Coaching U8 Football** 🌟 Coaching young athletes can be one of the most rewarding experiences! Here are my top 10 tips for coaching U8 football (soccer) to help foster a love for the game: 1. Make It Fun🎉 Prioritize enjoyment to instill a lifelong passion for the sport. 2. Focus on Fundamentals⚽ Teach essential skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting through engaging activities. 3.Use Small-Sided Games🥅 Implement 3v3 or 4v4 matches to increase player involvement and touches on the ball. 4. Encourage Teamwork🤝 Promote cooperation and communication among players to build essential teamwork skills. 5. Positive Reinforcement👍 Use praise and encouragement to boost confidence and motivate players. 6. Keep Instructions Simple📢 Use clear and concise language to convey drills and concepts effectively. 7. Rotate Positions🔄 Allow players to experience different roles to develop a well-rounded understanding of the game. 8. Engage Parents👨👩👧👦 Communicate with parents about goals and encourage their support for a positive atmosphere. 9. Prioritize Safety🛡️ Ensure that all activities are safe and suitable for young players. 10. Be Flexible Adapt practices based on the players' energy levels and responsiveness to keep them engaged. By focusing on these principles, we can create a nurturing environment for young players to develop their skills and love for football! ⚽💚 #YouthSports #Coaching #Football #Soccer #Teamwork #YouthDevelopment #SportsCoaching