Episodes

  • How does body imaging affect an athlete's mental health?

    How does body imaging affect an athlete's mental health?
    Oct 29 2024
    In this episode of "Ask Dr. Steve," Dr. Steve Graef dives into the crucial topic of body image and its impact on athletes. He highlights how the pressure to conform to specific body ideals—common in high school and college sports—can lead to a host of mental health issues. Negative body image can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, all of which can hinder performance and overall well-being.

    Dr. Graef emphasizes the serious consequences of poor body image, including an increased risk of depression and even suicidal thoughts. He warns against normalizing the pressure to meet certain body standards, as it can be harmful to athletes.

    To navigate these challenges, Dr. Graef offers practical advice. He encourages athletes to seek guidance from athletic trainers or nutritionists when considering changes to their body composition. This episode is a valuable resource for any athlete looking to maintain a healthy mindset while pursuing their goals.
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    16 mins
  • Final version How coaches handle two-sport athletes

    Final version How coaches handle two-sport athletes
    Oct 16 2024
    In this episode of "Ask Dr. Steve" brought to you by Stifel, Dr. Steve Graef delves into the complexities coaches face when working with two-sport athletes. Some of the key challenges include:
    1. Time Management: Coaches often worry about athletes balancing commitments between sports, which can lead to scheduling conflicts and reduced practice time for one or both sports.
    2. Performance Pressure: There can be pressure for athletes to excel in both sports, which may result in burnout or stress, impacting mental health and performance.
    3. Team Dynamics: Coaches may feel that splitting focus can disrupt team cohesion or create competition for playing time, leading to tension within teams.
    4. Resource Allocation: Limited resources (like facilities and coaching staff) can complicate how coaches support dual-sport athletes effectively.
    Dr. Graef emphasizes the importance of open communication. Coaches should foster an understanding environment, recognizing the value of multi-sport participation for athlete development. Instead of creating obstacles, coaches can collaborate with athletes to create flexible training schedules that accommodate both sports.He also suggests that athletic directors play a crucial role by advocating for policies that support multi-sport athletes and providing resources that help coaches manage these challenges effectively. This episode is a valuable resource for coaches at all levels who want to enhance the experience and well-being of their student-athletes.

















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    14 mins
  • Impact of athletes playing two sports

    Impact of athletes playing two sports
    Oct 2 2024
    What are some of the challenges that two-sport athletes endure? In the summer, communication between two coaches as what practices and games you will be attending or which weight-lifting and agility workouts an athlete will be at. During season, staying focus on the current sport while do a little work for the next sport. There are many benefits to playing two-sports from using muscles to learning how to handles stress and anxiety in different sports. If you are a two sport-athlete, Dr. Steve Graef offers some insightful tips to help you navigate the success and pitfalls of being a multi-sport athlete.

    1. Being a two-sport athlete can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges that can impact mental health. Here are some key challenges they face:1. Time Management
    • Scheduling Conflicts: Juggling practices, games, and workouts for two sports can lead to a packed schedule, making it difficult to find time for rest, recovery, and personal time.
    • Inconsistent Routines: Switching between sports can disrupt a consistent training routine, which can be mentally taxing.
    2. Communication Between Coaches
    • Coaching Expectations and schedule coordination.
    3. Mental Focus
    • Switching Mindsets and seasonal pressures.
    4. Physical Demands
    • Increased Injury Risk and fatigue management.
    5. Social and Emotional Balance
    • Isolation and performance pressure.
    There are significant benefits to being a two-sport athlete, such as:
    • Cross-Training Advantages: Utilizing different muscle groups and skills can enhance overall athletic performance.
    • Stress Management: Engaging in multiple sports can help athletes develop coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
    • Skill Development: Exposure to varied coaching styles and competitive environments can foster adaptability and resilience.
    Tips from Dr. Steve GraefDr. Graef offers several strategies to help two-sport athletes thrive:
    1. Prioritize Communication
    2. Set Realistic Goals
    3. Time for Recovery
    4. Stay Organized
    5. Mindfulness Practices:
    By recognizing both the challenges and the rewards, two-sport athletes can navigate their unique journeys while maintaining their mental health and well-being.
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    13 mins
  • How do coaches handle social media?

    How do coaches handle social media?
    Sep 18 2024
    Social media offers a powerful platform for coaches to shape the narrative around their team and set a positive example. Here’s how coaches and their athletes can handle social media effectively:Coaches may use the platform in this manner.
    1. Strategic Posting: Coaches should use social media to provide updates on upcoming games, changes in the lineup, and other essential team information. This keeps fans informed and engaged.
    2. Setting an Example: By modeling professional behavior online, coaches can influence their athletes’ social media habits. This includes being respectful, avoiding inflammatory posts, and maintaining a positive tone.
    3. Promoting Values: Coaches can use social media to highlight the team’s values, such as teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Sharing stories about players’ hard work and community involvement can reinforce these values.
    4. Community Engagement: Coaches can connect with the community by sharing updates about team events, charity work, and local partnerships. This fosters a strong relationship between the team and its supporters.
    5. Crisis Management: Coaches should be prepared to handle negative situations or controversies with a calm and measured response, demonstrating leadership and accountability.
    Here is another example of how coaches may use social media in a positive aspect:
    • Highlight Achievements: Regularly share updates on team accomplishments, individual player milestones, and game results.
    • Showcase Values: Post content that reflects the core values of your team or product, such as dedication, innovation, and integrity.
    • Engage with Your Audience: Foster a connection with your audience by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and participating in community events.
    • Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and videos to make your posts visually engaging. This helps in capturing attention and conveying your message effectively.
    Dr. Steve’s advice to be intentional with social media posts underscores the importance of thoughtful communication. By carefully considering how posts will be perceived and aligning them with the desired image and values, coaches and athletes can leverage social media to build a positive and influential presence for their team or brand.
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    13 mins
  • How should athletes navigate social media?

    How should athletes navigate social media?
    Sep 3 2024
    Dr. Steve Graef's insights on using social media effectively can be incredibly valuable for athletes navigating this complex landscape. Here’s a breakdown of how athletes can make the most of social media, its impact on the recruiting process, and how coaches and parents can assist:Best Ways for Athletes to Use Social Media
    1. Brand Building:
    2. Engagement:
    3. Education and Awareness:
    Impact on the Recruiting Process
    1. Visibility and Exposure:
    2. Character Assessment:
    Monitoring and Assisting by Coaches and Parents
    1. Education:
    2. Active Monitoring:
    3. Support and Guidance:
    Dr. Steve Graef’s tips likely emphasize a balance between showcasing one’s abilities and maintaining a professional demeanor online. By leveraging social media wisely, athletes can enhance their visibility and reputation while navigating the recruiting process more effectively. Coaches and parents play a crucial role in guiding and supporting athletes to ensure their social media presence contributes positively to their athletic career.
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    11 mins
  • How should a parent communicate with a coach and their athlete?

    How should a parent communicate with a coach and their athlete?
    Aug 21 2024
    Navigating the parent-coach dynamic as athletes transition into high school can be complex. The relationship between parents and coaches often shifts from one of close collaboration to more defined boundaries. Here’s how to manage this transition effectively and foster a positive environment for your child:1. Establish Clear Communication GuidelinesBefore the Season Starts: Preseason is an ideal time to establish how communication will work between parents and coaches. Set up a meeting with the coach to discuss and agree upon communication norms. This can include:
    • Preferred Communication Channels: Email, phone calls, or meetings.
    • Timing: When it’s appropriate to reach out, and when it’s best to wait.
    • Focus: What topics are suitable for discussion (e.g., general progress, not playing time or other players).
    During the Season:
    • Respect the Coach’s Time: Coaches are busy, so avoid unnecessary interruptions and respect their scheduled times for meetings.
    • Be Solution-Oriented: Approach conversations with a focus on constructive solutions rather than complaints.
    Dr. Steve Graef, owner of Mindurance, offers some terrific, effective communication tips for parents.
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    14 mins
  • Understanding coaches feedback - use

    Understanding coaches feedback - use
    Aug 7 2024
    Communication is crucial across all settings, but in athletics, it takes on a unique significance. Effective communication between a coach and athletes can make or break a team's performance and cohesion. In the latest episode of "Ask Dr. Steve," Dr. Steve Graef delves into this very topic, exploring how clear and effective communication can enhance understanding and performance on the field.

    As the fall sports season approaches, it's a great time for coaches to reflect on how they're conveying their messages to their players. Dr. Graef’s insights can provide valuable strategies for ensuring that athletes not only hear but truly understand the guidance being given. This can help in setting clear expectations, building trust, and fostering a positive team environment.

    For coaches working with athletes of different age groups, this episode offers practical tips and strategies for improving communication, which can lead to better outcomes both on and off the field. If you’re involved in coaching, it’s definitely worth a listen to enhance your approach and support your athletes effectively.
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    11 mins
  • How can coaches prepare athletes for preseason conditioning workouts?

    How can coaches prepare athletes for preseason conditioning workouts?
    Jul 23 2024
    Preseason workouts play a crucial role in setting the foundation for a successful sports season. Here are some key points to emphasize why these workouts are important and how coaches can effectively communicate their significance:
    1. Physical Preparation: Preseason workouts are designed to enhance athletes' fitness levels, improve agility, strength, and endurance specific to the demands of their sport. This physical preparation reduces the risk of injuries during the season and improves overall performance.
    2. Team Cohesion: These workouts bring athletes together early, fostering team bonding and camaraderie. Team chemistry often begins to develop during preseason, which can positively impact team dynamics throughout the season.
    3. Setting Expectations: Communicating expectations clearly sets a standard of commitment and dedication from the outset. When athletes understand the importance of preseason workouts, they are more likely to engage fully and take ownership of their development.
    4. Building Trust and Discipline: Consistent participation in preseason workouts demonstrates discipline and a strong work ethic. Coaches who communicate the rationale behind these workouts show that they care about the team's success and individual growth, which builds trust between coaches and athletes.
    5. Establishing a Winning Mindset: Preseason is not just about physical conditioning but also about mental preparation. Coaches can use this time to instill a mindset focused on improvement, resilience, and achieving goals throughout the season.
    6. Long-term Goals: Emphasizing the importance of preseason workouts reinforces the idea that success is a continuous process. Athletes learn that their efforts during preseason contribute directly to their performance during competitive play.
    7. Individual Development: Each athlete has unique strengths and areas for improvement. Preseason workouts provide opportunities for coaches to assess individual abilities and tailor training plans accordingly, maximizing each athlete's potential.
    By effectively communicating these points to the team, coaches can inspire athletes to approach preseason workouts with enthusiasm and dedication. When athletes buy into the preseason process, the team is better positioned for success both on and off the field.
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    21 mins