David Durand > Quotes

“The pursuit of perfectionism and the fear of making mistakes hinder an athlete’s performance and rob them of the joy of play, replacing play with survival.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“When players become disconnected internally, this leads to being disconnected externally.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Once status, self-image, and the opinions of others are prioritized above all else, players become increasingly on edge. Performance spaces are seen as dangerous, and players feel threatened by the possibility of not being enough. Once they feel this danger, their playfulness decreases.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“When players feel threatened and insecure, their survival modes become activated, and they begin to disconnect from the coach, teammates, and themselves. They fear punishment, rejection, and harsh judgments, so they instinctually protect themselves. They might look like they are unwilling to improve, but the reality is that they are just trying to survive.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“The power of sports is obvious. They are more than just entertainment, they are spaces where we feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. We watch athletes and performers try their hardest to achieve something while opponents try to stop them. They must operate within the rules and boundaries, trying to achieve greatness with resistance pressing them backward. And as we watch these made-up games, we feel connected. This is because, at some level, we understand that these games are not so different from our lives.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Why do we love games like sports? Because games are a simplified version of life. They incorporate elements of competition and cooperation, providing a platform for socialization and learning. Games present us with goals to achieve, teammates to collaborate with, obstacles to overcome, challenges to face, unpredictability to manage, strategies to develop, and skills to hone. Importantly, games offer valuable life lessons.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“The ability to self-regulate is important when dealing with stress. The demands of competition, the noise from the stands, and the team dynamics will cause stress for athletes. These stressors will be compounded by the athlete’s personal life and the stress they carry into these performance situations. Overall, athletes will get gripped by stress, whether in a championship game or a mundane practice.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Research has also shown that basketball players who miss the first free throw shoot a higher percentage on the second free throw if they receive a high-five for support and encouragement. This phenomenon highlights the power of social touch in creating an environment of connection, security, and playfulness rather than one focused solely on survival.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Breathing is not just a physiological process, it’s a tool for self-regulation and enhanced performance. Individuals can improve their learning, recovery, and overall well-being by understanding how to use breathing techniques effectively.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Adolescence is a period when the social landscape undergoes a massive shift. Suddenly, it’s not just about family, it’s about peers and where one stands in the hierarchy among them. The need for acceptance becomes necessary, and it feels as if one’s survival depends on it.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Mindful attention to our breath brings us back into CONNECTION, where we can let go of the past so we can re-engage with the present and better prepare for the future. We feel more whole and thus more in control.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“Demanding a player to look the coach in the eyes when they are dysregulated could backfire. The player might not actively disrespect the coach or be unwilling to listen, but their nervous system might be biologically unable to do what the coach wants at that moment in time.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond

“The ideal coaching approach focuses on the development of the person behind the player. The essence of performance coaching is to facilitate the growth of individuals into better human beings. This perspective emphasizes the importance of regulation, a skill that helps athletes handle stress by increasing their resilience and adaptability. Coaches should aim to foster adaptable athletes, not programmed robots. We want performers who can handle stress and athletes who can approach their craft with creativity and a sense of enjoyment.”
― David Durand, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond