Sports Psychology Articles

How to Overcome “What-If” Thinking

How Elite Athletes Develop Mental Skills

What is Your Biggest Distraction as an Athlete? The list of potential distractions is exhausting: The previous examples are external distractions or sources that originate outside of you. While external distractions are bothersome, they are not the most formidable challenge for athletes. Internal distractions are much more destructive and difficult to manage, particularly the ‘what if’ trap. ‘What … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Prevent Mental Mistakes During Competition 

How to Prevent Mental Mistakes During Competition 

A mistake Versus a Mental Mistake Mistakes are common in sports. Every athlete makes mistakes. However, mental mistakes are avoidable. Mental mistakes are lapses in awareness and focus, sloppy play, laziness, and lack of effort. Here are some examples of mental mistakes: In basketball, not getting back on defense and allowing the other team a breakaway basket. In … Sport Psychology Article…

A Mindset for Success

A Mindset for Success

Winning Mindset for Elite Athletes Have you ever wondered why some athletes succeed despite challenges and adversity while other athletes fall apart when encountering similar circumstances? The difference between these two types of athletes is mindset. A lot has been written on the topic of mindset. Mindset receives so much attention because of its profound impact on athletic … Sport Psychology Article…

Get the Mental Edge. Train Like an Elite Athlete.

Get the Mental Edge. Train Like an Elite Athlete.

How to Train to Win Many athletes complain about going to practice, especially if the training session is monotonous, dull, or consists of seemingly useless drills. For example, some soccer players despise long training sessions in the rain. When you are soaked and cold by the midway point, who wouldn’t want to go home, dry off and fall … Sport Psychology Article…

How Athletes Respond to a Loss

Mindset for Losing

The Mindset to Always Focus Forward How long does a tough loss affect you? Some athletes can get over a loss quickly and shift their focus to the next competition. Other athletes dwell on bad games or performances; “I can’t believe I choked,” “I let my team down again,” or “We should have easily won that game.” Dwelling … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Pros Use Visualization to Improve Success

Tune negativity Out

What is Visualization? How does it Work? Do you ever wonder, “Does visualization even work?” Just what is all the hype about visualization? First, have you ever performed at your peak when you catastrophized, thought negatively, expected the worse, and had images of yourself failing?  Definitely not! When you expect the worst, you often get the worst. It … Sport Psychology Article…