Beyond the Game: Mental Performance Coach Maira Silva on Confidence, Breathing, and the Off-Season

Mental performance coaching has become a critical part of athletic development, yet many athletes still struggle with the psychological side of their sport. To understand how a professional approaches these challenges, we spoke with Maira Silva, founder of Ogata Mental Performance, a practice dedicated to helping athletes build the mental skills needed to perform at their best.

Silva works with athletes across a range of sports and levels, focusing on the foundational mental skills that often separate good performances from great ones. In this interview, she shares her insights on the most common mental blocks she sees, how she tailors her approach to different athletic demands, and what athletes can do to stay sharp even when they are not competing.

The Most Common Mental Block: Low Confidence

When asked about the most frequent issue athletes bring to her, Silva points to a pervasive challenge: low confidence. But her approach to addressing it goes beyond simple positive thinking.

"I have noticed that many athletes struggle with low confidence. I think it is important to work on their identity first, so they can understand who they are, not only as an athlete, but as a person first."

Silva emphasizes that building confidence starts with self-understanding. By helping athletes identify their strengths, values, and qualities outside of their sport, she creates a more stable foundation for self-belief. "When they understand their strengths, values, and qualities outside of sports, it can help them build more confidence. From there, we can work on different tools to help them manage their thoughts and trust themselves more."

This identity-first approach is a key differentiator in her practice, as it moves the focus from performance outcomes to the person behind the performance.

Adapting to Different Sports and Athletes

While the core principles of mental training remain consistent, Silva is careful to adapt her methods to the specific demands of each sport and each individual athlete.

"The foundation of mental performance training is the same for different sports, but it changes based on the demands of each sport and athlete."

For endurance athletes, the focus often shifts to sustaining motivation and concentration over long periods. For team-sport players, the challenges are more social and situational. "For a team-sport player, there is another layer because of communication with teammates, playing time, competition for positions, and confidence within the team."

Silva stresses that even within the same sport, no two athletes are alike. "I also look at each athlete individually because every athlete is different. Athletes might be in the same sport and have completely different demands." This personalized approach ensures that the training is relevant and effective for each person.

The First Session: Building Trust and Setting the Frame

A first session with Silva is less about diving into techniques and more about establishing a safe, clear, and comfortable environment.

"In the first session, I go through my informed consent form. I explain how our sessions work, confidentiality, and when I may need to involve another professional if something is outside my scope of practice."

She prioritizes transparency and makes sure the athlete feels heard. "I make sure the athlete understands everything and feels comfortable asking questions. If the athlete is a minor, I also speak with the parent or guardian."

Beyond the administrative and ethical groundwork, the first session is about connection. "The first session is also about breaking the ice and getting to know each other. I want the athlete to feel comfortable and understand that this is a space where they can be open and honest." She also assesses the athlete's prior knowledge of mental training to tailor future sessions.

The Surprising Power of Breathing

When asked about a technique that consistently impresses athletes, Silva points to something deceptively simple: breathing.

"Breathing is one technique that surprises most athletes. It surprises them because it is something so simple that we do every day without even thinking about it. But when we intentionally pay attention to our breathing, it can be very effective."

She explains that a few deep, intentional breaths can have an immediate impact. "Taking a few deep and intentional breaths can help athletes reset their bodies, clear their minds, and bring their focus back to what they need to do next."

Many athletes expect mental training to be complex, but Silva notes that the simplicity is often the point. "Sometimes athletes think mental training needs to be complicated, and then they realize how powerful something as simple as breathing can be." This technique is a cornerstone of many sport psychology approaches and is accessible to any athlete.

Maintaining the Mental Edge in the Off-Season

For Silva, the off-season is not just a time to rest—it is a time to reset and grow, but with a deliberate balance.

"I think it is important for athletes to take a break and rest when the competition season is over. Their bodies and minds need that recovery."

She encourages athletes to step away from their sport and engage in other life areas. "I also encourage them to do things outside of their sport. Spend time with family and friends, travel, try something new, or simply enjoy things they like to do. These activities can help them refresh and reset their minds."

However, the off-season also presents a unique opportunity for mental development without the pressure of competition. "But the off-season is also a good time to work on the mental side of the game without the pressure of competition. It is about finding a balance between resting, recovering, and continuing to grow, so they can come back ready for the next season."

This balanced perspective helps athletes avoid burnout while still making progress, a principle echoed by many mental performance consultants.

Practical Takeaways for Athletes

Silva's insights offer several actionable lessons for athletes at any level:

Build confidence from identity, not just outcomes. Know your strengths and values beyond your sport.
Adapt mental skills to your sport's demands. Endurance athletes and team-sport players face different challenges.
Start with the basics. A first session is about trust and understanding, not just technique.
Don't underestimate breathing. A few intentional breaths can reset your focus in high-pressure moments.
Use the off-season wisely. Rest is essential, but so is continued mental growth.

For athletes and coaches looking to integrate mental performance training into their routine, Silva's practice at Ogata Mental Performance offers a personalized, person-first approach. As she puts it, the goal is to help athletes not only perform better but also understand themselves better—on and off the field.