In order for athletes to get the most out of their performance, it is critical for them to understand the value of develop a strong mental game to complement their physical abilities. Sport psychology professionals need to educate the sports community on the value of mental training by highlight the mental factors the limit and enhance athletic performance. These factors differ from player to player, but sport specific assessments can help professionals identify individual challenges. The overall aim of mental training is to help athletes enter the zone by developing foundational mental skills that can help athletes enter the […]
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09
May
2012
Sports Mental Training
26
Apr
2012
Tips for Breaking Free of a Slump
1. Focus on your performance instead of results. Do not become obsessed with or pay so much attention to your wins or personal statistics. Instead, focus on your actual performance such as improving your pre-at-bat routine or enhancing your quarterback skills to read defensive formations. 2. Stop making comparisons to your competition. Don’t worry about athletes or teams that are passing you in order or rankings. Focus on small performance gains and areas you have to do to improve your game daily. 3. Stay committed to your dream in sports. When you are in a slump it is easier […]
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11
Feb
2012
Letting Go of Errors and Mistakes
Mistakes or errors occur every day in baseball, but many players don’t have the mental game that allows them to let go of errors and this hurts their chances for success. Errors such as missing a throw, botching a simple ground ball, striking out at the plate, or dropping a pop up occur all the time in baseball. Nobody is perfect, therefore errors are just another part of the game. However, these errors often become a huge mental barrier for athletes who cannot cope with mistakes, and as a result it affects their performance. In many cases, especially with […]
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12
Apr
2011
Sibling Rivalry in Sports
Siblings naturally compete with each other in all areas of life and sports can increase sibling rivalry. When siblings are involved in sports, especially the same sports, they compete for praise and attention from parents often to be recognized as the better athlete. Some siblings are jealous of each other and hold grudges while others show support and give encouragement. When siblings compete in sport as teammates or opponents there will always be a rivalry present which can be positive. It pushes them to become better athletes and teaches them how to handle conflict, cooperate, and manage frustration and […]
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23
Mar
2011
The Downside of Perfectionism in Sports
The saying “practice makes perfect” has its downside in sports. Today many athletes who strive for perfection in practice also embrace this mindset in competition. Athletes who aim for perfection in competition often struggle with fear of failure, fragile confidence, lack of trust and frustration during games. On the other hand, perfectionism has its advantages. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated, work hard to succeed, and strive to be the best. However, perfectionists rarely perform up to their abilities because they’re afraid of failing or making mistakes that will prevent them from winning. These are the athletes who want […]
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12
Mar
2011
How to Deal With Bad Coaches
Before you sign your kids up for a team, don’t hesitate to interview the coach. You should ask them about their coaching philosophy and how they handle important issues such as missing practice, and playing time. If your young athletes are already part of a team, but don’t seem happy with the coach, you need to do some research. Is the coach always unhappy with your athlete’s performance, no matter how well they perform? Gently ask your kids questions about how the coaches treat the team and watch carefully for how they react. You might ask other parents what […]
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27
Feb
2011
Does Physical Talet Guarantee Success?
Every athlete who is serious about their sport wants to be a champion. A hallmark of all great athletes is superior mental toughness and a championship mindset. However, for some athletes, mental training is an untouched avenue to improving sports performance. That’s why we teach sports parents and coaches how to encourage their athletes to have a strong mental game. Many athletes don’t realize that resources are available to improve their mental game. When under performing or in a slump, most athletes are quick to change other aspects of their performance, such as coaching, equipment, or strategy before realizing […]
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24
Feb
2011
Frustration and Aggression in Sports
Players and spectators “talk trash” all the time in sports at every level. It is just another aspect of the game in many sports. Mentally tough athletes remain focused, composed and relaxed in the face of trash talk. They have the ability to fully immerse into their performance – unfazed by what others have to say. Problems with trash talk occur when athletes let it affect their composure and emotional control. During the heat of the battle trash talk can lead to frustration and aggression, which is what we want to avoid. So how can you help player’s avoid […]
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23
Feb
2011
Understanding Your Kids Behavior in Sports
Parents should not make assumptions about their kids’ behavior in sports. You might feel your child is not trying hard enough, is a poor sport, or maybe even takes the game too serious. When your kids appear to be struggling with their performance it is important that you communicate with them to identify the root of their behavior. For example, as a young athlete I held high expectations for my performance. These high expectations became strict demands that I needed to meet each game, such as going 4-for-4 at the plate. When I made a mistake or failed to […]
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21
Feb
2011
Characteristics of the Zone and Peak Performance
What every athlete must know to achieve peak performance in competition! Free Report Includes: Characteristics of the zone and peak performance. What prevents athletes from tapping into the zone. Mental game strategies for getting in the zone. A comprehensive checklist to help athletes achieve peak performance. Please enter your name, primary email, and role in sports below to receive access to our 100% FREE mental game report : Name Email Sport
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