Zac Elkin Performance Coach

08/01/2024

There is knowledge about leadership in textbooks, lectures, and tutorials. But there is also knowledge about leadership in lots of other places too… like made-up stories about an NFL coach in the English Premier League. Ted Lasso is so much more than a fictitious character in a brilliant TV show.

If you haven’t watched the series Ted Lasso on Apple TV you should still read this article on leadership (but you really are missing out on some box office entertainment – it’s fantastic viewing). In short, American Ted Lasso is brought to AFC Richmond to manage this English Premier League soc...

04/01/2024

Throwback to last year when Zac Elkin Performance Coach partnered with Cricket School of Excellence to deliver the Psychology of Cricket Workshop to the academy’s youngsters, their parents, and some of the academy’s coaches too.

A big thank you to Ryan Maron for making the collaboration happen.

If you are interested in booking Zac Elkin Performance Coach to present the Psychology of Cricket Workshop at your club, school, or academy then please send a direct message on Facebook or an email to [email protected].

03/01/2024

Three Ways to Build Mental Resilience in Sport

1) Set goals
2) Adopt a growth mindset
3) Play for something bigger than yourself

To read the full article which explains these points in detail, click here: https://bit.ly/48jrPKI

Or visit www.zacelkin.com and go to the Blog section of the website.

If you’re interested in booking a Sports Mental Coaching session to build mental resilience in sport, get hold of Zac via email at [email protected]

02/01/2024

CRICKET COACHING

Looking to become a technically better cricketer?

Zac has been fortunate enough to have played and coached cricket all over the world. From a young age cricket has been his life and this is still very much the case today. He loves playing the sport (especially scoring runs) but he also loves growing the game and instilling the passion he has for it in others through 121 cricket coaching.

In addition to having played professionally, Zac has an Australian Cricket Board Level One coaching qualification and has coached throughout his playing career. He enjoys working with players of all different genders, disciplines, abilities, and ages. As an opening batsman and wicket-keeper, he specialises in batting and wicket-keeping training. However, he fully understands the dynamics and fundamentals of bowling and can provide expert guidance in this department too.

Zac’s coaching philosophy is based on two principals. First and foremost, he believes in fun. His main priority is always to ensure that his clients leave their sessions having enjoyed themselves above all else. Secondly, he believes in pragmatism. Cricket is an incredibly complex and challenging art form. There is no right way to play this beautiful game. One need only look at the greats to realise that a variety of methods and approaches can result in success. As such, he seeks to enhance whatever technique his clients feel most comfortable using so as to give them the best chance of runs, wickets, catches, and run-outs… rather than enforcing traditional ways of playing the game that are often uncomfortable and overwhelming.

Zac’s 121 cricket coaching takes place at Malden Wanderers Cricket Club in London or Green Point Cricket Club in Cape Town. Sessions are one hour long. Please contact Zac if you are interested in booking a 121 cricket coaching session with him

02/01/2024

PSYCHOLOGY OF CRICKET WORKSHOP

Zac believes that, historically, cricket players and coaches have not placed enough emphasis on the mental aspect of the sport. He believes that cricket is played as much between the ears as it is played anywhere else. And that when you combine sound physical, technical, AND mental coaching, you can help players realise their true potential.

However, an obstacle that many players face is that they do not know enough about the mental side of the game to get better at it. To overcome this problem, Zac has built a workshop on the psychology of cricket that teaches players of all abilities the key concepts of the mental side of the game – empowering the player with the knowledge they need to develop a mindset that will lead to consistent high performance.

The workshop is relevant to cricketers of all genders, ages, abilities, and disciplines. However, it does have a high-performance focus and so is most appropriate for cricketers who are looking to take their games to the next level. Cricket coaches have also found the workshop useful as it equips them with knowledge about the mental aspects of the game which they can incorporate into the services they offer their clients.

Zac teaches the workshop in-person or online to individuals or groups. The once-off workshop typically takes 1.5-2 hours to complete. Please contact Zac if you are interested in booking him to present the Psychology of Cricket workshop at your club, school, or academy.

02/01/2024

SPORTS MENTAL COACHING

Sports mental coaching is a vital component of athletic success. Just as athletes diligently train their bodies, they must also train their minds to achieve peak performance. By seeking sports mental coaching, athletes can unlock their full potential. However, every athlete is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sports mental coaching. That is why working with a sports mental coach in a 121 setting is where the major gains take place.

Zac specialises in 121 mental coaching for cricket. However, his approach to sports mental coaching is highly transferable to other sporting codes and he is available to work with athletes from any sporting background. He also prides himself on his ability to connect with athletes of all genders.

Zac’s primary aim is to help his clients achieve their athletic goals and be the best they can be. He tailors his working style to the needs of the individual that is in front of him. He believes that the key to consistent high performance in sport is building what he calls a “performance blueprint”. The key concepts that make-up a performance blueprint are gameplan, routine, energy, attitude, and reflection. Once the right performance blueprint has been created, the athlete enhances their chances of success by repeatedly running this system. A performance blueprint is also a valuable tool to focus the mind when self-doubt, bad form, fear of failure, or the pressure of the contest threaten to distract the athlete. Zac works with athletes in both the creating of their own performance blueprint as well as the repeated running of it.

Furthermore, he is also aware of the mental challenges that come with pursuing high performance in sport and is on-hand to mentor athletes who are struggling with the demands of the game or to offer an empathetic ear to those who just want a chat.

Sessions can vary from 30 minutes to one hour and will typically take place over Zoom or WhatsApp unless it is possible and preferrable to meet in person. Please contact Zac if you are interested in arranging an introductory 121 sports mental coaching session.

02/01/2024

LEADERSHIP & TEAMBUILDING

Successful sports teams are not simply made up of talented individuals. Unity, respect, honesty, clear communication, comradery, and trust are just a few traits that typically drive collective high performance in teams. However, building an environment that fosters these traits is easier said than done. Cohesion doesn’t just happen. It is a process that takes time, effort, skill, and guidance.

If you’re a coach of any kind of sporting team who wants help creating the optimal environment for your players where individuals can flourish while putting the needs of the group above their own, then Zac is the person you want to bring in. He is comfortable working with teams made up of any gender.

Before each engagement Zac does a thorough needs assessment to ensure that he understands the purpose of his involvement. Thereafter, he works with coaches and players to create a culture that will help the whole be greater than the sum of its parts. And come the final whistle, that’s often the difference between winning and losing.

Zac’s teambuilding and leadership expertise can be used in a one-off session, for a bundle of sessions, or throughout an entire season. If you are interested in using him to assist in transforming your group of players into a champion team, please see the contact him to set-up a meeting to discuss further.

02/01/2024

SPEAKING

Are you looking for an engaging and insightful speaker for an event that you are hosting? Elevate your event with Zac who loves to share his thoughts with people, especially the younger generation.

Zac leans on anecdotes from his professional cricket career, theories from his academic qualifications, lessons from his time spent coaching, experiences in the corporate world, and truths about current affairs to build presentations and speeches that leave a lasting impact. He offers bespoke keynote presentations that are designed to inspire, empower, and entertain. He tailors his addresses to suit your event’s specific needs.

Zac enjoys motivating individuals and teams of all genders and outlining the mindset they need to develop to realize their full potential.

He can be booked for awards evenings, lectures, sports events, conferences, leadership summits, motivational seminars, fundraisers, and Q&A sessions.

Please get in touch to inquire about Zac’s availability and booking information.