Preparation as a Starter or Role Player You can view a lack of playing time as a helpless situation, however, this negative mindset actually leads to a lesser role on your team. When you adopt a negative mindset, several questions and concerns can stir in your mind: This negative approach to being on the bench hurts your motivation, … Sport Psychology Article…
Do you Handle Criticism as an Athlete Well? How has negative criticism affected your athletic confidence in past athletic competitions? Even though criticism can be helpful, it is also hurtful. Negative criticism can cause you to doubt your abilities as an athlete. It can destroy your confidence. Negative comments from media, parents, teammates, coaches, and fans can sprout … Sport Psychology Article…
Can Your Self-Talk Improve How You Perform? The more poignant question is whether self-talk affects or impacts competitive play. To determine if self-talk has influenced your performance, think of previous performances when you completely fell apart in a competition. What were your thoughts before spiraling downward? Did you mentally beat yourself up over a mistake or tell yourself … Sport Psychology Article…
Are you Ready for the Athletic Challenges in your Sports Career? Many athletes become so focused on obstacles that they become overwhelmed by their circumstances instead of seeing solutions. While obstacles may seem daunting, it is often not the obstacle that determines your future but your response to the challenge. For example, what if you were not chosen … Sport Psychology Article…
How Much Time Do You Dedicate to Training for Peak Performance The previous question is more than how many hours you practice or how often you train on your own. While physical training is necessary for peak performance, it is not the only contributing factor. You have probably heard the expression, “work smarter, not harder.” In sports, you … Sport Psychology Article…
How can you create positive competitive habits? The answer is by working on those habits during practice. How do you battle during competition and not back down? Again, the answer is to compete in practice from start to finish. There is a saying, “Elite athletes practice in the same manner they want to compete.” Too often, athletes think … Sport Psychology Article…