Before the U.S Open, ESPN tennis analyst Brad Gilbert stated that “a win in New York gives Rafael Nadal the best season ever by a man.” On September 12, Nadal did just that, becoming the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win three consecutive Grand Slam titles. However, winning in New York wasn’t an easy feat for Nadal. He’s the No. 1-ranked player in the world, but until Sunday, he had never reached the final of the U.S. Open.”It’s one of the most important tournaments — for me, probably the most important,” said Nadal. When asked to […]
Read more
24
Sep
2010
Nadal’s Aggressive Approach at the US Open
22
Sep
2010
Federer Accesses the Zone
The zone is a state of supreme focus that help athletes perform at their peak when they become totally immersed into their performance. Athletes depict the zone in many ways, such as the driver merges with the car; the tennis player joins her mind with the ball and court; the swimmer becomes one with the water; and so on. Five-time champion at Flushing Meadows, Rodger Federer found the zone early in the opening round Monday night against 96th-ranked Brain Dabul. Federer hit 18 aces in his 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory, but no shot was more exciting than his between […]
Read more
21
Sep
2010
Atwal Wins Big With Nothing to Lose Mindset
Many athletes feel pressure when they have high or strict expectations about how they should perform. Expectations are what you demand of yourself during competition. They are usually about obtaining a certain result (score for 18 holes), game statistics (number of goals in a game), or quality of performance. They often cause you to judge your performance based on predetermined expectations. PGA Tournament Pro Arjun Atwal went into the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., with no expectations and nothing to lose. He had no playing status on the PGA Tour. “Guys are going to be […]
Read more
20
Sep
2010
Coaches Need Team Leaders
Your team captains have a huge impact on your team’s success, your sanity, and your satisfaction as a coach. Coaches should choose responsible and respected team leaders as their captains. Look for leaders when selecting your team. Of course you will look for talent when you select athletes for your team – but also be on the lookout for leadership ability. Look for athletes who were team captains at other levels, involved with student council, or voted class president. It is much easier to help athletes further develop their leadership skills than to start from scratch. Sit down with […]
Read more
19
Sep
2010
Rafael Nadal Relies Confidence to Win
To compete at the top of your game you need to have confidence in your ability to succeed. Number 1 ranked tennis pro, Rafael Nadal understands the importance of confidence to win tournaments and succeed in tennis. “I rely on my confidence to help me win,” said Nadal, “You have to be confidence to play well on match days.” Having confidence offers you an advantage over your competitors because confident athletes play more relaxed, focused, and aggressive. Nadal knows that if he doesn’t confident on match day he is at a disadvantage. “I am not playing good this week because […]
Read more
17
Sep
2010
Wayne Gretzky on the Mental Game of Hockey
Hockey fans know Wayne Gretzky as “The Great One” for his unbelievable talent, and superior hockey mentality. In a recent interview, the hockey legend discussed the mental aspects of hockey. He explained that to be a great hockey player you must display mental toughness and awareness on the ice. This means playing your hardest, reacting to different situations, and keeping up with the speed of the game. Gretzky explains that pregame warm-ups are key to embracing a hockey mindset. “You have to take advantage of your pregame warm-up. It helps you get in the right mindset to perform,” said […]
Read more
13
Sep
2010
Big League Pressure in Youth Sports
Little League Baseball is the largest youth sports organization in the World, and is well known for the Little League World Series. Year after year, youth baseball players dream of making the trip to Williamsport in mid-august to compete against the top little league teams in the world. Those of you, who are old enough to remember the 1982 Little League World Series, can appreciate the magnitude of this event, and how much nationalistic pride can rise from a Little League World Series Championship. In the summer of 1982, a little league team from Kirkland, Washington advanced to the […]
Read moreOne thing every NHL team needs is a tough guy or enforcer ready to take hits, give hits, and intimidate their opponent. The tough guy provides his team with energy, momentum, and confidence. Ian Laperriere “Lappy” of the Philadelphia Flyers is recognized as one of the top tough guys in the league. When asked about his mental approach and preparation for sports toughest game he stated, “I have always been a physical player. I am not afraid to challenge my opponents and be as good as I can be on a nightly basis.” Players like Laperriere are tough physically, […]
Read more
12
Sep
2010
Why Tim Tebow Should Not Change His Delivery
Tim Tebow is considered to be one of the best college football players to ever play the game. He was the first college player to rush and pass for twenty or more touchdowns in a single season, and the first sophomore player to win the Heisman Trophy. He had great success in college leading his team to two National Championships, but skeptics questions his ability to perform in the Nation Football League. Tebow was drafted 25th overall by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Many scouts and coaches believe this was a risky pick for the […]
Read moreIs there a relationship between personality type and sport preference? How do those know what their sports personality might be? What do those who participate in the same sports have in common? In order to answer questions related to sports psychology, over five hundred athletes were tested and evaluated. To examine the relationship between personality types, sport preferences and performance, team and individual athletes’ personality profiles were designed. Results indicated that teams exhibit a predictable personality profile and that by understanding the psyche of the athlete, performance and team productivity can be enhanced. Optimal communication and performance can be […]
Read more
