Facing the Worst Conditions in a Competition Were you able to concentrate on competing, or did the weather or arena mentally affect your performance? Wind, rain, snow, excessive heat, frigid temperatures, and glaring sun can affect playing surfaces and competition conditions. It is challenging to be your best when weather conditions are not optimal. But why do some … Sport Psychology Article…
Self-Doubt Makes Competition Harder at a High Level When you sap your own confidence, your potential is limited… Even though you might be a talented athlete, doubts can weigh down your confidence and not allow it to grow. However, one thing compounds the problem–listening to other doubters. When your ears are open to the naysayers, you may be … Sport Psychology Article…
Do you Think of Yourself as “Just an Average Player”? Do you feel you don’t have the talent to get to the next level? Some athletes feel as though they have plateaued in their sport. They think they have gone as far as they can and their best days are behind them. For some athletes, these thoughts come … Sport Psychology Article…
Do you Take Risks to Help you Succeed in your Sport? Does fear or making mistakes or lack of confidence with a new skill prevent you from taking risks? We’re not talking about unhealthy or dangerous risks, but those tough challenges that push you towards greater heights… Risk-taking means pushing your limits, getting out of your comfort zone, … Sport Psychology Article…
Nervous Competing Against Teammates in Practice? Coaches create competition scenarios in practice and training sessions to improve the team’s ability to perform under pressure and shape each player’s competitive mindset. Competing in practice makes competing in tournaments and games more appealing. Instead of becoming nervous, you feel more confident. You make fewer mistakes. You take more risks and … Sport Psychology Article…
When athletes have high expectations about what others expect, they feel more pressure to be perfect and not make mistakes. Is everyone telling you how good you can be at sports, but you are not meeting those expectations? Watch this video to learn how to deal with pressure from others: Video on Expectations Leading to Increased Pressure Related … Sport Psychology Article…