Fear of Failure

Why It’s Okay for Athletes to Fail

Mistake in the Game

How to Avoid the Perfectionist Mindset Mistakes and mishaps are an inescapable part of all sports. No matter how hard you try to avoid them, errors will happen during competitions. Even the best athletes in the world are not immune to mistakes: –Pro tennis players hit unforced errors late in matches.–MLB baseball players strike out with runners in … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Avoid Burnout and Dropout in Sports

Avoid Burnout

Letting Go of Expectations Have you ever been so frustrated with a lack of improvement and not reaching your expectations that training and practicing just doesn’t seem worth the time and effort? At times you feel like walking away from competing just because you feel so burned out or lack enthusiasm? Sports can be demanding, but some athletes … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Stop Playing too Tight in Basketball – Video

Sports Psychology Video

Do you need to Loosen Up during Basketball games? In “Sports Psychology Sessions with Doc,” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers sports psychology questions from athletes, parents and coaches. Do you struggle throughout the game with playing too tight? In this mental game video for basketball, Dr. Cohn will discuss: Playing too tight in basketball games. COHN: How to loosen … Sport Psychology Article…

Why Playing Safe Doesn’t Help You Win

Playing it Safe

Playing Aggressive to Keep Your Lead Playing safe rarely works out for athletes. Yet many athletes adopt a cautious mindset when leading late in a competition. For example, a football team has dominated the opposing team for three plus quarters and has a 14-point lead with four minutes remaining… Instead of sticking to their offensive game plan, they … Sport Psychology Article…

Athletes Who Focus on Avoiding Mistakes

Sports Psychology Video

Sports Psychology Case Study Do you or your athletes focus too much on avoiding mistakes? This happens a lot with athletes who have a fear of failure… You might think that trying to avoid mistakes or have a mistake-free game is the way to go, but it backfires for most athletes. When you try to avoid mistakes, you:1. … Sport Psychology Article…