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…
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…
Athletes Want to Compete, Play, or Start But what happens when the athlete is benched or replaced in the starting lineup? Your attitude towards the situation will impact your response, motivation, and the message you send to your team. If you act out or talk poorly about your coach, you will cause tension within the team. Your effort … Sport Psychology Article…
What is the “It Factor” That Pushes Athletes? Athletes who triumph over their circumstances often do so because they refuse to see the odds as stacked against them. If you acknowledge something as impossible, you won’t work to make your dream a reality. For example, if a baseball pitcher thought it was impossible to become a starter, would … Sport Psychology Article…
Do You Have a Short Memory for Mistakes? “Memory” refers to the length of time an athlete dwells on mistakes. Some athletes have difficulty overcoming mistakes during a competition. They think about the mistake repeatedly, replaying the error in their mind. The mistake becomes a distraction, taking the focus off performing in the present moment. When an athlete’s … Sport Psychology Article…
Focus on Mistakes to Learn From Them There is a fine line between recognizing and dwelling on mistakes. You need to be able to identify miscues or missed opportunities from a competition to learn from them. The key is how long you think about those mistakes. Let’s look at the following scenario. Bob G. is a freshman collegiate … Sport Psychology Article…