Dan Campbell uses unconventional tactics to prepare Jake Bates for high-pressure situations on the field. His tough-love approach builds Bates’ mental resilience and helps him thrive under pressure.

The Detroit Lions’ special teams kicker, Jake Bates, has made an impressive start to his career. After a rocky training camp and an unconventional path to the NFL, Bates has emerged as a reliable force for the Lions. His success comes as no surprise to those who have followed his journey, but it’s his ability to remain calm under pressure that stands out. A big part of that mental toughness can be credited to head coach Dan Campbell’s unique approach to testing Bates during practice.

A Rough Start, but a Steady Path to Success

Before joining the Lions, Bates was out of the game for years. He had not attempted a field goal since high school, and his only recent experience was kicking for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL last spring. Despite his inexperience, the Lions believed in Bates and gave him the reps he needed without fear of losing his job. The coaching staff knew that Bates required time to develop, and that patience has paid off.

Bates entered the regular season as the Lions’ kicker and has yet to miss a field goal attempt. His flawless 14-for-14 performance over the first nine games is a testament to his focus and preparation. His defining moment came in Week 10 against the Houston Texans, when he nailed two crucial 50-plus-yard field goals in the fourth quarter to help the Lions secure a comeback victory.

Dan Campbell’s Tough Love Approach

The mental toughness Bates displays on the field didn’t come overnight. It’s a product of the unique challenges he faces during practice, thanks to Dan Campbell’s unorthodox coaching methods. Campbell doesn’t shy away from applying pressure on Bates in a way that forces him to block out distractions and focus solely on the task at hand.

Campbell explained, “He gets away from everybody and he can kind of get in his own head, in a good way, and shut everything else out.” The ability to shut out external noise and stay locked in is a skill Campbell works hard to develop in Bates. He emphasized that Bates thrives in competitive situations, noting that when placed under pressure, Bates rises to the occasion.

Creating a Competitive Setting in Practice

To simulate high-pressure situations, Campbell does not hesitate to put Bates in the hot seat. Bates recalled several moments during practice where Campbell would get uncomfortably close to him while he was preparing to kick, creating an intense atmosphere.

“He’ll get super close and just stare at me,” Bates shared. “He’s a big dude, obviously, he’s got his hands on his knees, staring at me. I’ve noticed that. One time he yelled at me to hurry up, but I just keep telling myself to go through my normal routine.”

While some may find such tactics intimidating, Bates has learned to embrace them. Rather than getting flustered by Campbell’s presence and pressure, Bates reminds himself to stay calm and stick to his process. It’s these moments of mental fortitude that help Bates maintain his composure in the face of real game-day challenges.

The Impact of Mental Preparation

Campbell’s tough-love approach has clearly paid dividends. Bates’ calm demeanor under pressure, despite the intensity of the practice environment, has translated to success on game day. His flawless field goal kicking record and ability to perform in clutch situations are proof that the mental resilience fostered by Campbell is working.

While Campbell’s methods may seem extreme to outsiders, it’s clear that they’ve helped shape Bates into the kicker he is today. The physical act of kicking a field goal may be the same regardless of the situation, but the ability to remain mentally sharp and focused during high-pressure moments is what sets successful kickers apart.

In the high-stakes world of professional football, mental toughness is just as important as physical ability. Through his unique approach to training, Dan Campbell has helped Jake Bates develop the mental strength needed to succeed in the NFL. As Bates continues to rise to the occasion, it’s clear that his ability to thrive under pressure has become one of his greatest assets.