"They're Soft."
"They just don't care."
"They can't handle adversity."
These are common complaints from coaches working with Gen Z athletes.
A player makes a mistake, gets pulled, or faces a little adversity, and suddenly they check out, shut down, or explode.
It’s easy to label it as "laziness" or "softness."
On the latest episode of the podcast, mental performance consultant David Durand shared a perspective that every coach needs to hear:
Most of the time, it's not because they care too little. It's because they care A LOT.
When an athlete’s brain perceives social threat or overwhelm, their nervous system slams on the brake pedal or smashes the gas pedal.
In this episode, David breaks down how to coach the modern athlete using a simple nervous system framework:
✅ Connection Mode (Gas + Brake Balance): Where optimal performance & learning happen.
✅ Action Mode (All Gas): Driven by anxiety, overthinking, and racing thoughts.
✅ Shutdown Mode (All Brake): Driven by overwhelm, leading to apathy or checking out.
✅ The B.E.T. Model (Breath, Eyes, Touch): A simple tool coaches can use on the court or field to help athletes regulate their emotions and get back into the game.
If you’re struggling to reach, teach, or connect with modern athletes, I think conversation will serve you.
📝 Download the Notes 👉 Free PDF
🎧 PODCAST EPISODE
Episode #138. The B.E.T. Model: How to Coach Gen Z & Help Them Overcome Anxiety with David Durand of Real Development
📝 Download the Notes 👉 Free PDF
Thanks for reading and listening, I hope this serves you on your journey.
To your growth,
Luke Gromer, RYG Athletics | A NIKE Sports Camp Provider
P.S. If you’re interested in hosting a camp or becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out THIS FORM.
📈 COACHING RESOURCES
Here are a few ways we can help you grow as a coach.
#1: COMMUNITY 🫱🏻🫲🏽
Join the Better Coaching Community to connect with and learn from 500+ other like-minded coaches!
#2: PODCAST 🎧
Listen to any of the 135+ episodes of The Better Coaching Podcast.
#3: PODCAST NOTES & FREE RESOURCES 📝
Get detailed notes on every episode of the Better Coaching Podcast and other free coaching resources.