People often think they have a routine, but it’s not always the case. Common questions regarding routines are: What’s the difference between a routine and a superstition? What should I be thinking? How do I know it’s not a superstition? What behaviours or actions should I be doing? Will it really help me perform better? Hopefully the following article will help explain these and any other questions around pre-performance routines. A pre-performance routine is defined as ‘Sequence of task relevant thoughts and actions which an athlete engages in systematically prior to his or her performance of a specific sport […]
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22
Jun
2012
Pre-Game Routines in Sports
21
Jun
2012
Overcoming Change
We are all creatures of habit! Some of us can roll out of bed with our eyes closed and hit the alarm, turn on the light and throw the covers back without opening our eyes. We as humans have set up our lives to be consistent and constant. There is a since of pride in knowing our lives are predictable and easily managed. Knowing this makes us feel secure, safe and in control. If our personal system is disrupted in any form we are thrown into an emotional spin. If there is anything which intimates us it is Change. […]
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19
Jun
2012
Understand THE ZONE in Sports
The “zone” is a state of supreme focus helps athletes in all sports perform at their peak potential. It is when your mind fully connects with achieving a goal, such as getting a hit, or stealing a base. Attention is absorbed into the present (the here and now only). When you’re in the zone your mind only processes the thoughts and images that help you execute your task successfully. Entering the zone requires total commitment your game plan and the process of winning. Many athletes have mental barriers that limit their ability to enter the zone, such as fear […]
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16
Jun
2012
The Fields of Dreams Foundation
Steven Joseph Petillo Steven was our little 9 year old Superstar. He loved Baseball (both playing it and watching his Yankees). He loved to pitch and was a natural at the game he loved. Steven was taken home to heaven on Aug. 16, 2010, while our family was heading on a vacation to Busch Gardens, VA. until we were sent out of control on the I-95 after being hit by a reckless driver, sending us down a 45 ft. embankment. Our little man died instantly upon impact when our mini-van hit a tree at some point while tumbling down […]
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14
Jun
2012
Performance Anxiety and Pregame Jitters
Many athletes feel performance anxiety in the opening minutes of the game. You may feel butterflies in your stomach or your heart pounding. Some athletes like to feel pregame jitters before competition. These athletes think of pregame jitters as a sign of readiness and energy. Other athletes think of pregame jitters as a sign of nervousness. Pre-game jitters are a natural part of competing and a sign you are ready to embrace competition. Even the best athletes in the world get the jitters. Michael Leighton, goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, admitted to feeling nervous before his first NHL playoff […]
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13
Jun
2012
Sports Psychology and Executive Coaching
Sports Psychology and Business Psychology are similar fields in that they both aim to help individuals reach their peak potential on the field or in the workplace. Executive coaching is designed to help facilitate professional and personal development to the point of individual growth and improved performance. Sport Psychology Expert and Industrial/Organizational Doctoral learner Michael J Edger MS, MGCP apply performance enhancement techniques proven to facilitate performance enhancement to the work place to help business professional succeed in their industry. Sport Psychology Consultants and Executive coaches need to have a strong understanding of individual differences in a work place […]
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13
Jun
2012
UK Sports Psychologist Helps Youth Team
A youth football team or soccer team as well call it in the states, has called in a sport psychologists to help their young athletes gain a mental edge over their opponents. The Edinburgh team has developed Scottish internationals like John Collins and Kenny Miller in the past, but some parents have questioned the club’s extreme measures. The club defended the move and said that suitable discussions were held before bringing in the psychologist. “We spoke to the parents first about using performance psychology and they’ve been very supportive,” said club leader Tam Smith. “It’s about creating positive thinking […]
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11
Jun
2012
Fighting laziness
Athletes and those who have the potential to become one suffer from the same issues as the rest of the population. One of these being laziness. It’s true that despite how motivated an athlete can appear, they suffer from a bad case of the lazy just as much as the rest of us. The difference is, an athlete has methods to help themselves through it. They have ways to distract themselves from their day to day pleasures like playing partypoker and staring into space, that are effective enough to keep them on target. So if you are having issues […]
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10
Jun
2012
Sports Psychology Programs
Mental training is about improving one’s attitude and mental skills to help them perform their best by identifying limiting beliefs and embracing a healthier philosophy about their sport. Many athletes and coaches resist mental training because they do not understand how it can help them. In order for athletes to get the most out of their sport, it is critical for them to understand the value of improving their mental game. Athletes are more likely to embrace mental training when they understand it and its benefits. Our mental training programs aim to help players and coaches discover the benefits […]
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04
Jun
2012
Five Key Components of Sport Psychology
Goal Setting Sport psychologists help athletes set goals that are ambitious but attainable. An athlete who is only motivated only by winning is more likely to lose motivation when the competition doesn’t go his way. A sports psychologist will help him set goals that are intrinsically motivated, such as a finishing time rather than order of finish in a swimming race. A sports psychologist can also help set intermediate short-term goals that are process-oriented, meaning that they focus on one aspect of the overall goal. For example, a swimmer might set a goal of improving his flip turns. Visualization […]
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