"We - sports psychologists -
are the instruments, not the
techniques we use."
– Dr. David Tod
Mental strength plays a key role in performing under pressure. I support athletes, teams, and professionals in developing that strength and recovering sustainably, using a down-to-earth, evidence-based approach: Prepare, Peak, Recover. There are no standard solutions. Each approach is tailored to the individual, the team, or the organization. I work through Talks on stage, or, when more depth is needed, through more intensive Training.
“Elite sports are hard (work). Blood, sweat, and tears on the track, mat, or field. But, in reality, we see very little of the true battleground. The true battle takes place between the ears.”
Joost Pluijms earned his PhD studying perceptual-cognitive skills and expert performance in sailing. As a certified SPORTPSYCHOLOOG VSPN®, he works with BrabantSport and served as a High Performance Expert at TeamNL. He supports athletes, teams, and coaches in developing the mental skills needed to perform at their best, under pressure and over time.
Elite sports today seem like rocket science. They are about finding the right balance between your head, heart, and body. I guide individual athletes, coaches, and teams in their pursuit of optimal performance before, during, and after competition.
ISN'T
ABOUT
THE FINISH
LINE IT'S ABOUT THE START
Where are you now, and where do you want to go? To achieve optimal performance, you must understand your own needs. Based on that, you make targeted decisions and deal with the consequences. If things don't go according to plan, you adjust your behavior to still reach your goal.
YOUR
SELF
CONQUER
THEM ALL
YOUR
SELF
CONQUER
THEM ALL
How do you perform under pressure? That’s the most crucial question if you want to excel. Once you understand how you react in stressful situations, you can recognize these feelings at the right moment. I teach you skills to maintain your focus, so you can perform optimally even under stress.
ARE
JUST LIKE
EVERYONE
ELSE
Elite sports are often about what you don't do, rather than what you do. Complete recovery is essential for a sustainable career. I teach you to recognize and respect your limits and the importance of a life beyond sports.
I am proud of my work with leading organizations such as TeamNL Centrum Zuid and BrabantSport, where I contribute to the development of mental resilience and well-being essential for top performances. My approach focuses on collaboration, enjoyment in sports, and finding innovative solutions for mental challenges.
- BRABANTSPORT
- TEAMNL
- NAC BREDA
- FC EINDHOVEN
- MOJO CONCERTS
- ZANDBEEK
- KNZB
- ORANJE ROOD
- BRAINFEED
“Elite sports are incredible, but they can also be brutally tough. Joost helped me navigate those moments when nothing seemed to work. He helped me regain confidence in myself and rediscover the joy of doing what I love most – competing at the highest level.”
– Job van Uitert, LMP2 driver
“Joost’s expertise and scientific approach have given me new insights as a coach. He simplifies complex situations and has greatly improved the quality of our perception.”
– Jaap Zielhuis, Head Coach, Dutch Watersports Federation
“Joost is a calm, thoughtful professional with a strong ability to adapt. He knows how to connect with a group and presents his material in a clear, concrete way – never vague or abstract.”
– Rick Mathijssen, Head Coach, Dutch U21 Women’s Hockey & AH&BC Women’s 1st Team
As a sports psychologist and scientist, I've had the privilege of working with exceptional athletes, coaches, and teams for years—from sailing to BMX Freestyle, and from hockey to alpine skiing. What makes them belong to the elite? Their mental game.
In my book Think Like an Athlete, Don’t Act Like One I unlock the mental secrets of sports legends from around the world. Not just for athletes, but for anyone who wants to lead their daily life like a champion.
Prepare mentally, perform under pressure, and recover sustainably.
In my keynotes (30–75 minutes), masterclasses (2–3 hours), and training programs (ranging from one day to six months), I work with the core principles of sports and performance psychology: Prepare, Peak, Recover.
These formats can also be used as an energizer, lunch session, or as a thoughtful closing of an event. Whether you are looking for a short impulse or a more in-depth program, we can align the format to your context.
Feel free to get in touch or plan a free introductory call via joostpluijms.com/booking
#ThinkLikeAnAthlete #ActLikeAPro
joost@pluijms.com
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+31 (0)6 45636252
Registration and Certification
SCAS: 1237093
KvK: 65187946
