I think if you took a poll of regular golfers, they’d say that there is no more frustrating sport than the game of golf. There are thousands of hours of YouTube clips on the internet of golfers melting down on the course if something goes wrong, to prove this point. From throwing to breaking clubs, dumping out bags in the fairway or launching golf balls into nearby water after putting out, the spectacle of expressing anger on the course is a storied tradition. But as funny as we may think those tantrums are on video, we all know that […]
Read moreCentering Techniques for Sports
In Chapter 8 of Psyched to Win Dr. Nideffer refers to “Centering” as a technique, borrowed from the martial arts, whose purpose is to instill feelings of emotional control. These simple breathing and cueing exercises are used to calm and relax both the mind and body. Center of Mass Your Center of Mass is located one or two inches below and behind your navel. If one can consciously bring one’s attention to this point, one feels grounded or centered. In Dr. Nideffer’s article for class, he describes the importance of keeping a balanced, stable lower center of mass. This […]
Read moreComposure in Sports
In order for athletes to excel in competition and tap into “the zone” they must be in control of their emotions, and remain in control after mistakes or setback. Composed athletes have the ability to remain calm, persistent, and in control under pressure situations or after mistakes. These athletes are “gamers” who thrive under competitive pressure and are able to raise their level of performance during competition. They have the ability to quickly let go of errors and control their emotions after setback or committing a mistake such as Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, and Roy Halladay. Of […]
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