Mental preparation has become an essential pillar of sports performance. Through this series of videos, Sportiw invites you to discover the approach of Pierre Chivot, a specialist in mental preparation, who accompanies athletes on a daily basis in their personal development and emotional management.
From his background to his methods, he shares with sincerity his experience, his tools and his vision of the mental role in today’s sport.
In five short and accessible episodes, this series immerses you behind the scenes of a profession still too little known, but fundamental for those who want to progress sustainably.
From management to mental coaching
What was your journey to become a mental trainer?
“My background began with studies in international business, which led me to work for nearly 20 years in the field of management consulting, both in France and abroad. About 15 years ago, I naturally transitioned into business and professional coaching.
I founded my own structure and also became a partner in another company focusing on these areas. Over time, coaching naturally led me to mental performance training, driven by my passion for sports.
Today, I apply mental preparation techniques not only with athletes but also with business leaders and managers.”
Understanding the role of mental preparation
Why is mental preparation so essential for athletes today?
“Let me share a metaphor, one that’s often used in books on mental training: the image of a chair. A chair typically has four legs to remain stable. Similarly, an athlete needs four solid pillars to perform consistently and sustainably.
The first leg is technical, which involves developing specific skills. The second is tactical, which is about building game strategies. The third leg is physical, which focuses on strength, endurance, and conditioning. And finally, the fourth leg is mental—this includes concentration, motivation, emotional control, and many other key aspects.
If one leg is missing or weaker, the whole chair becomes unstable. That’s why strengthening the mental aspect is just as crucial as the others—it’s what completes the athlete’s foundation for high performance.”
The types of intervention to help athletes
what are the which are the different types of intervention in mental preparation?
“In general, we distinguish four main types of mental preparation.
First, there is individual mental preparation. After conducting an initial assessment with the athlete, we focus on their specific priorities: managing stress, handling anxiety—which often leads to fears, doubts, and insecurity—, addressing motivation issues, regulating activation levels, and working on self-confidence. Confidence can be lacking, but interestingly, too much of it can also be detrimental. We also often deal with the fear of failure or the fear of disappointing others.
Second, there is team-based or collective mental preparation, where the goal is to identify and strengthen the key performance factors within the team dynamic. This is usually done in close collaboration with the coaching staff.
Then, we talk about integrated mental preparation, which involves applying all the tools and strategies developed during mental training directly in practice sessions and on the field.
Lastly, there is mental preparation education, which includes group or individual sessions to raise awareness among athletes about mental skills and tools, helping them better understand and apply them in their performance routines.”
Reaching a Milestone: Indicators of a Successful Mental Evolution
Do you have a little anecdote like that of a success or a moment marking that you were able to live with an athlete?
“There was an athlete who struggled significantly with self-confidence. We worked together using a fairly simple tool called ‘performance bubbles.’ This involved identifying four different bubbles, each representing a strength or positive aspect of her sport practice.
We reflected together on what she was doing well, and defined these four bubbles accordingly. I have stayed in regular contact with her since the end of our coaching sessions, and she tells me that before each match, she reviews her performance bubbles. This practice really helps her to focus and maintain positive thoughts.”
Looking to the future: advice for all athletes
how you see the evolution of the mental preparation in the next years?
“Mental preparation is becoming more and more recognized today. In my opinion, it has entered the mindset of many athletes and many sports disciplines. Of course, some federations may still be a bit hesitant on the topic, but the overall trend is evolving positively.
As I mentioned earlier, the old misconception—that mental preparation is just a last resort when performance drops—is becoming less and less common.”
A big thank you to Pierre Chivot for his time, his availability and the quality of his exchanges. Through this series, he offers us valuable insights into the mental challenges of modern sports.