The Mental Match

The Mental Match

Hosted by: Michelle Thompson

The Mental Match is your weekly playbook for mastering mindset, building confidence, and unlocking consistency—on and off the court. Hosted by performance coach and sport psychology PhD student Michelle Thompson,...

Episodes

How to Stop Choking in Cornhole: Connection is the Key

Season #1

Choking doesn’t happen because you don’t know how to play — it happens when you disconnect. In this episode, I’ll cover: Why choking happens in cornhole and other performances The role of triggers that knock you out...
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The Hidden Benefits of Cornhole: Why Community Changes Everything

Season #1

Cornhole is more than just tossing bags. It’s a sport that connects you to people, improves your well-being, and gives you a community that can change your life. In this episode, I’ll share: Cory’s first tournament...
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Confidence in Cornhole: How to Stop the “Yips” and Trust Yourself

Season #1

Confidence isn’t about never feeling nerves — it’s about being connected enough to trust yourself when it matters most. In this episode, I’ll share: Simone Biles’ story of overcoming the Twisties Why cornhole players...
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Why Some Players Look Effortless (and Others Look Mechanical)

Season #1

Some cornhole players look stiff and robotic, while others make the game look effortless — almost like magic. The difference? Connection. In this episode, I’ll show you what connection really means and how to bring it...
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From Rounders to Bracket: Staying Consistent Under Pressure | Live Coaching with Matt

Season #1

Why do some players throw lights out in rounders—only to lose their rhythm in bracket play? In this live coaching session, Michelle Thompson works with Matt Girdner on the mental side of consistency. Matt explains how...
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Moving Up a Division Without Losing Confidence | Live Coaching with Chris

Season #1

What happens when you level up into a tougher division—but your confidence doesn’t come with you? In this live coaching session, Michelle Thompson works with Chris Pacheco on the mental shift required to compete at...
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How to Close Out Games Under Pressure | Live Coaching with Mike

Season #1

In this live coaching session, Michelle Thompson works with player Mike Dilse on one of the most common struggles in competitive play: finishing strong. Mike shares how he often battles back into a game only to falter...
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How Expectations Get in the Way of Competitive Cornhole | Live Coaching with Henry

Season #1

In this live coaching session, Henry opens up about his struggle to stay focused during competitive cornhole. What we uncover is that his expectations — and the pressure he puts on himself — are pulling him out of the...
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How to Bounce Back After a Bad Cornhole Game

Season #1

Every player has bad games — but what you do next can make or break the rest of your night. Today I’m showing you exactly how to bounce back fast after a rough game, so you don’t spiral, lose focus, or throw away the...
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The Real Reason You Miss Easy Bags

Season #1

You’ve hit this shot a hundred times… but when it counts, you miss it. Today, I’ll break down why those “easy” bags suddenly go sideways — and the simple fixes that will make you more consistent in every game. Whether...
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The Game-Day Routine You Need to Win

Season #1

What you do before you throw a single bag can make or break your game. Today I’m walking you through the exact game-day routine you need to show up confident, focused, and ready to win. From the night before, to your...
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Stop Wasting Practice Time — Do THIS Instead

Season #1

You don’t have to grind through endless games to improve your cornhole skills. In fact, most players get stuck because they’re repeating the same habits over and over. Today, I’ll show you exactly how to level up your...
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