In the NFL, you have an average of 18 million viewers watching you every game. Couple that with ample time in between opportunities to make an impact and the fate of the game oftentimes coming down to you, kickers feel the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Trying to execute a field goal they’ve done hundreds, if not thousands of times, leaves the mental game an essential ingredient to their success.
Welcome to the sport psychology of, I’m Gabe Zelico. Today, we’re breaking down the sport psychology of kicking field goals. Although we’ll discuss field goals for the duration of the episode, the same logic goes for PATs (point after touchdown).
I’m excited to introduce the guest for this episode, Austin Errthum, who double dips in experience both as a kicker and mental performance coach. Austin grew up in Kalona, a small town in southeast Iowa. He played division 1 soccer at Drake University and ended up transferring and trying out for the football team at the University of Northern Iowa (FCS). After a senior season where he lead the country in FG’s and touchbacks to become an All-American, he went to a mini-camp with KC Chiefs in 2019. He then went back to school and got a masters degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology. He opened his own mental training business called Errthum Performance to help others reach their goals and become 1% better in the mental game. He’s also the host of the podcast, The Kitchen Table.
In this episode, you’ll hear the specific ways kickers’ anxiety is fueled, what to do if you’re feeling low in confidence, and tangible ways to apply mental skills. I also share a story of how the podcast was first thought up when we talk about the psychology of icing a kicker.
Timestamps are below. Enjoy!
(01:58) Introduction to Austin Errthum
(11:19) Episode introduction
(12:06) Anxiety of game-deciding field goals
(19:11) Crowd distractions
(22:41) Low confidence before a kick
(28:46) Control
(35:19) Icing the kicker
(39:43) Justin Tucker post game-winning field goal interview break-down
(42:34) Awareness
(46:20) Visualization
(52:50) Relaxation techniques; breathing
(56:03) Routines
(01:00:04) Handling the emotions of high-stakes misses
(01:02:06) Outro
Errthum Performance Website
Errthum Performance Facebook Page
The Kitchen Table on Spotify
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If you want to start working on your mental game, try out 1 on 1 sport psychology coaching with me, Gabe Zelico, by visiting my website www.zelicoperformance.com and schedule a free introductory call where we’ll discuss your goals, obstacles to success, and determine if we’d be a good fit to move forward.
You can also email me directly at gabriel@zelicoperformance.com regarding private coaching or the podcast.
Music by Ben Zelico.
Disclaimer: The Sport Psychology Of podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not represent mental health care services, including the giving of mental health care advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining mental health care for any condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
