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Published on:

9th Apr 2025

The Mental Edge: Mastering Focus and Attention Control for Athletes

Mental toughness, attention control, and mastering focus under pressure are what separate great athletes from average ones. In this episode of Charge Forward Coaching, host James Blasco, a certified mental toughness and resilience coach, unpacks the strategies elite athletes use to stay locked in—even when the stakes are sky high.

From building powerful routines to developing emotional control and sharpening focus and concentration, James talks about the practical tools that athletes, coaches, and driven individuals can apply immediately. Whether you're on the field, on the court, or in the boardroom, these strategies will help you set goals, block out distractions, and thrive when it matters most.

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) The real reason goal setting is crucial under pressure
  • (01:32) What is attention control—and why does it matter so much?
  • (02:06) Tim Grover’s lessons from training Michael Jordan
  • (03:00) The role of emotional awareness in high-pressure moments
  • (04:15) Why repetition is the backbone of mental toughness
  • (05:30) Routines: how they eliminate stress and boost focus
  • (06:23) What’s your B-plan when things go off-script?
  • (08:00) Managing stress fatigue—mentally and physically
  • (09:36) The science of attention spans (and how you can improve yours)
  • (10:30) Discover your focus strengths with the MTQ Plus Assessment

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity Beats Chaos: Having a clear goal keeps you grounded during high-stress moments.
  • Routines Build Strength: Pre-game and post-game routines improve consistency and reduce decision fatigue.
  • Focus is Trainable: You can improve attention control through small daily practices—yes, even video games can help.
  • Pressure Reveals Preparation: If you’ve done the reps, your mind and body will know what to do when it counts.

Resources & Links:

About the host:

James Blasco is the founder of Charge Forward Coaching and a certified mental toughness and resilience coach. He specializes in helping athletes and high performers sharpen their focus, build confidence, and stay composed under pressure. With clients ranging from youth athletes to seasoned pros, James is passionate about helping people show up strong—no matter the arena.


Tags:

Mental Toughness, Goal Setting, Attention Control, Focus and Concentration, Performance Under Pressure, James Blasco, Charge Forward Coaching, Athlete Mindset, High Performance Habits, Mental Resilience, Sports Psychology, Athletic Coaching, Competitive Mindset, Routines for Success, MTQ Plus Assessment, Mental Game Training



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About the Podcast

Charge Forward Coaching
What if the key to unlocking your athletic potential wasn’t just about improving your skills, but strengthening your mind? At Charge Forward Coaching, we believe that mental toughness is the secret weapon every elite athlete needs to excel. In this podcast, we explore how athletes can develop the focus, resilience, and mindset necessary to perform at their best, whether you're a high school athlete facing intense competition or a college athlete aiming for the next level.

We explore essential topics such as mental resilience, providing techniques for overcoming self-doubt and building mental endurance. We also tackle performance anxiety, offering strategies to manage stress and stay focused under pressure. Throughout the show, we focus on mindset mastery, sharing tools to stay motivated, handle setbacks, and maintain peak performance. James Blasco offers expert advice on cultivating a champion's mindset for long-term success, helping athletes gain the mental clarity needed to perform at their highest level.

With expert guidance from James Blasco, each episode empowers athletes with actionable strategies they can apply immediately, enabling them to sharpen their focus, handle adversity, and perform under pressure. James’s coaching approach fosters a supportive and empowering environment, where athletes are encouraged to push beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and unlock their full potential. In the world of elite sports, success goes far beyond physical ability—it’s about mastering the mental challenges that arise during competition and ensuring they are prepared to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

In addition to James’s insights, each episode features interviews with top athletes, coaches, and mental performance experts. These guests share their own stories, experiences, and strategies for achieving success in highly competitive environments. Through these conversations, listeners will gain diverse perspectives on how mental toughness plays a pivotal role in their journeys to excellence. Whether it’s learning from a former professional athlete about overcoming personal obstacles, or hearing a coach’s tips for developing a high-performance team mindset, these interviews will offer valuable knowledge and inspiration for athletes of all levels.
Join us on this journey to improve your concentration, boost your confidence, and develop the mindset necessary to reach new heights in your athletic career. Start listening today and begin charging forward toward your goals with mental clarity and strength.

About the Host:
James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience.
Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance. James’s coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and results, focusing on helping clients uncover their goals, develop actionable plans, and persist through obstacles.

Resources:
Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching

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James Blasco