How Not to Fixate on Things Outside of Your Control Do you excessively worry before and during competitions? One component of worry is trying to control variables of performance outside of your direct control. A few variables outside of your direct control are: getting injured, being benched by your coach, playing against a higher ranked opponent, and competing … Sport Psychology Article…
How to Take Advantage of Home-Field Advantage Home-Field advantage, does it exist or is it just a myth? Many sports teams compete hard all year long to gain home advantage in the playoffs… Gymnasts feel they have an edge over the competition when competing in the facility where they train… Basketball players feel that they feed off their … Sport Psychology Article…
What is a Goal? Going into a competitive season with realistic goals adds motivation, direction and purpose for an athlete. Going into a competitive season with excessively high expectations adds pressure, anxiety and distraction for an athlete. Throw adversity into the equation, things change drastically. First, let’s examine exactly what goals are and how adversity affects the athlete… … Sport Psychology Article…
Letting Go of Expectations Have you ever been so frustrated with a lack of improvement and not reaching your expectations that training and practicing just doesn’t seem worth the time and effort? At times you feel like walking away from competing just because you feel so burned out or lack enthusiasm? Sports can be demanding, but some athletes … Sport Psychology Article…
How to Have Stable Confidence Do you buy into the negativity from other people? Do you lose confidence when others critique your game? Just this week, I received a message from a soccer player who said: “I’m often challenged mentally during practice if a teammate tells me how I can’t do a certain thing, such as properly marking … Sport Psychology Article…
How to be Mentally Prepared on the Bench One of the most challenging situations for athletes is knowing you’re good enough to start, be on a relay team, get more playing time, or make a travel squad yet you are not given an opportunity by the coach. Not getting a chance to contribute to a team can erode … Sport Psychology Article…