No One Wants to be Labeled a “Choker.” Some athletes use the term “choking” to describe athletes who crumble under pressure. For example, the basketball player who misses two free throws with seconds left in the game and down by one point. Or the baseball closer who melts down in the 9th inning and gives up four runs … Sport Psychology Article…
Do You Crumble During Crunch Time? Time and time again, we hear from athletes who talk about having difficulties competing under pressure. These athletes believe the ability to handle pressure is an inborn trait. However, there is no such thing as a “clutch” gene. Performing successfully under pressure is a learnable mental skill. Even if you see yourself … Sport Psychology Article…
How do Long Games Impact your Performance? More than physical factors, mental factors affect the outcome of close games. Back-and-forth games are often a game of attrition or who can wear down their opponent. Some athletes feel more comfortable during close competitions than other athletes. For example, some basketball players are better able to focus when the lead … Sport Psychology Article…
How to Shape and Improve your Athletic Confidence Confidence is not something that happens to you. Building confidence is an action. If you do nothing, your confidence becomes dependent on results. When you are not an active participant in growing your confidence, one day, your confidence will be up, and the next, it will be down, as if … Sport Psychology Article…
Belief, Confidence, and Accomplishment When you believe you can achieve a goal, you build confidence to go after that goal. When you have unshakeable confidence, you are more resilient, overcome obstacles and increase the likelihood of accomplishing your goal. The relationship between belief, confidence, and accomplishment is cyclical. Belief sets the cycle in motion, but what creates belief? … Sport Psychology Article…
Be the Team that Catches the League by Surprise What are the makings of a “Cinderella” story? In sports, we hear inspiring stories of Cinderella teams upsetting highly-ranked teams or advancing deep in tournaments. Teams that become Cinderella stories have the mindset that they will battle until the end, no matter who they are playing, where they are … Sport Psychology Article…