What is the most significant mental factor that helps athletes pull off the upset? Competing against a significantly higher-ranked opponent or a team with a better record is not just a physical challenge but also a mental challenge. The main mental ingredient in upset victories is belief. By belief, I’m not just talking about pie-in-the-sky belief, but belief … Sport Psychology Article…
Is mental toughness really “a thing”? Mental toughness is constantly mentioned in interviews after sporting events. For example, in practically every basketball conference tournament or NCAA tournament game, a commentator, coach, or player talks about mental toughness. But does mental toughness really exist? If so, what is it, and how can it be developed? Simply stated, mental toughness … Sport Psychology Article…
What do you do after you finish a season where you fell short of your personal or team’s objectives? Do you try to forget the season and put it out of your mind? Each year, athletes and teams set their sights on an end-of-the-year target. However, not all athletic goals are achieved. Things don’t always go as planned. … Sport Psychology Article…
What is resilience, and how does resiliency impact an athlete’s growth? Resilience is a mental attribute that helps an athlete rise to challenges (making comebacks late in a competition), successfully deal with adversity (competing when your game is off or competing in difficult playing conditions), and cope with difficult situations (dealing with injury). All athletes can identify performances … 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…
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…