What mindset do you take into a rematch? Many athletes who won the previous game against an opponent feel confident heading into a rematch. They think, “Since we won the previous matchup, we can win the upcoming game.” Previous success adds to an athlete’s confidence. However, let’s turn the situation around. What if you lost the previous head-to-head … Sport Psychology Article…
Have you ever thought about the damaging power behind the phrase ‘to make matters worse’? The phrase “to make matters worse” further catastrophizes an adverse event. Many sports announcers use the phrase to describe an athlete’s or team’s worsening prospects or condition throughout a season. Many athletes are stuck in the habit of catastrophizing. They often highlight every … Sport Psychology Article…
How Confident are you When the Game is in Your Hands? Confidence is situational. An athlete’s confidence level can vary depending on their situation or circumstances. That is, you can feel confident in your ability to successfully perform in some circumstances and not others. For example, a basketball player may feel more confident when shooting free throws early … Sport Psychology Article…
What does “setting the standard” mean in sports? Setting a high standard refers to establishing a level of quality, expectation, or performance. Some teams set winning as the standard. Often, teams with a high expectation of winning adopt the credo, “Championship or Bust.” While winning may be the goal, defining success in those narrow terms is problematic. For … Sport Psychology Article…
Injuries Impacting you Mentally and Physically in the Past? The physical pain of injury and rehab are difficult, but the mental impact of injury is much more challenging. The physical side of injury (physical pain, discomfort, potential surgery, rehab, and re-conditioning) is undoubtedly extremely difficult. However, injured athletes experience several emotional and mental challenges, including the mental management … Sport Psychology Article…
How can you be a confident starter when you rarely start? Many athletes become highly anxious after their coach tells them they will start the next game when they have played minimal minutes. The fear of making mistakes or costing your team the game is overwhelming when you view yourself as the “weak link.” Imagine the following scenario. … Sport Psychology Article…