You Can't Play the Game for Them. You Can Help Them Handle It.
Your athlete has the skills. But one mistake turns into five, nerves take over on game day, and the sport they used to love starts to feel like they are captive inside their own head. I help athletes break out of it with a simple mental reset, so they can compete with freedom and enjoy their sport again. And I help you know how to support them.
What Parents Tell Me Most
- They play great in practice and tighten up in games.
- One bad play ruins the rest of the game.
- The car ride home has become the hardest part of game day.
- They're starting to dread a sport they used to love.
None of these mean something is wrong with your kid. They mean your athlete hasn't been taught what to do after the mistake. That's a skill, and it can be trained. When they learn it, the game gets fun again.
The 5-Second Reset
Recognize
Notice the moment without judging it.
Release
Let it go with a breath and a physical cue.
Refocus
Lock in on What's Important Now (WIN).
Through my T.A.B. Framework (Tactics, Action, Behavior), we build the reset around your athlete's sport and position, practice it, and repeat it until it shows up under pressure.
The Parent Playbook
Praise the work, not the scoreboard.
"I loved how you reset after that turnover."
Wait before you coach.
No post-game critique in the car. Let them start the conversation.
Separate the jersey from the kid.
Make sure they know your pride doesn't change with the result.
Ask about recovery.
"What's one thing you did well after something went wrong?"
Simple, Sport-Specific, and You Stay in the Loop
Free 15-minute call
We talk about what's happening and whether I'm the right fit.
1-on-1 video sessions
Sport-specific, built around your athlete's challenges.
Parent check-ins
You'll know what we're working on and how to support it at home.
What Families Say
"Our older son has been working with Ethan for over a year now and it has made a huge difference. He is playing confidently, not afraid to make mistakes, and is showing strong leadership on the ice."
"He helped my son work through the mental side of an injury, stay patient through a long recovery, and build confidence and an identity that extends beyond his sport."
"Top Notch! Ethan is a great listener, intelligent, and able to adapt to new scenarios. He uses his knowledge to come alongside and push clients and teams to improve their mental performance. Highly recommend!!"
Ethan G. Tabakelis, M.S., CMPC®
Ethan is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and author of Unshakeable Under Pressure. He works with golfers, quarterbacks, pitchers, hockey players, and skiers and snowboarders nationwide.
Help Them Love the Game Again.
Not sure if your athlete needs coaching? The free Athlete Resilience Test takes a few minutes and gives you a clear starting point.