How can other people influence your mental game? An athlete's mental game can be heavily influenced by the behavior of parents and coaches. That's why I prefer to work very closely with my students' parents and, when I can, coaches. A case in point: I received an email from a parent after her daughter completed "The Confident Athlete" and "The Fearless Athlete" programs. She said the programs … [Read more...] about How Parents and Coaches Can Influence Your Mental Game
Fear of Failure
Why Fear of Failure Leads to Tentative Play
Are You Afraid to Fail? More and more, athletes I work with on the mental game come are held back by fear of failure. Fear and fear of failure are a constant source of stress or anxiety that sabotages your or your team's performance. In sports, most of the fear athletes have is based on their perception of the importance of a performance or game AND what they assume others think about their … [Read more...] about Why Fear of Failure Leads to Tentative Play
Sport Psychology Podcast: Be Proactive with Confidence
In this week's sports psychology podcast, Dr. Cohn helps a basketball player who is afraid of failing. Sports psychology expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn helps athletes strive for success and boost their confidence in competition. Dr. Cohn answers the following mental game question: "I play basketball. I get very little playing time because of past timid play and ''afraid of failing'' attitude. I want to … [Read more...] about Sport Psychology Podcast: Be Proactive with Confidence
How Coaches’ and Parents’ Expectations Hurt Athletes
Sport Parents: Do You Pressure Your Young Athletes? Youth coach Doug Donaldson says he knows intuitively when one of his young athletes feels pressured by a parent’s expectations. And he also knows the problems such well-meaning expectations can create in young athletes. For example, one of his player’s mothers wants the child to play goalie in Lacrosse. But when the mother isn’t listening, … [Read more...] about How Coaches’ and Parents’ Expectations Hurt Athletes
Sports Psychology Podcast: Play Without Fear in Competition
In this week's sports psychology podcast, Dr. Cohn helps an football player who has a mental block when trying to kick PATs. Sports psychology expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn helps athletes perform without fear and tension in competition. Dr. Cohn answers the following mental game question: "I play football for my high school. I'm a kick and punter. In practice I can hit everything. I have college … [Read more...] about Sports Psychology Podcast: Play Without Fear in Competition
Get Inside the Minds of Athletes – Mental Game of Football
The Psychology of Football With Cortez Hankton Sports Psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn at Peaksports Network interviews 7-year NFL veteran Cortez Hankton on the psychology of football. In this short Peaksports video, Dr. Cohn and Hankton discuss the advantages and disadvantages for fear of failure in his career. For more sports psychology interviews, videos, and articles, visit … [Read more...] about Get Inside the Minds of Athletes – Mental Game of Football
Sports Psychology and Playing Well in the Big Game
What Should You be Focusing on Before a Big Game? Do you or your athletes train year around for a couple big competitions? Do you or your team perform at your peak levels in the big game? Why do some athletes rise to the occasion, whereas others fold under the pressure of big games? Mentally tough athletes raise the level of their performance when they need it the most--the Tiger Woods', … [Read more...] about Sports Psychology and Playing Well in the Big Game
Sports Psychology Podcast: Relax on Game Day
This week's sports psychology podcast focuses on how to relax on game day. Sports psychology expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn helps athletes overcome pregame jitters and perform their best in competition. Dr. Cohn answers the following question in this month's sports psychology podcast: "It's seems like I can never play up to my true potential, I have great mechanics and concentrate well but cannot seem … [Read more...] about Sports Psychology Podcast: Relax on Game Day
Why Athletes “Check Out” After Making Mistakes
Do You Check Out After Mistakes? OK, so I've received a ton of questions from athletes, coaches and parents about how to help athletes who "check out" after making mistakes in competition. Do you (or your players) have trouble keeping your head in the game after mistakes? Do mistakes compound because you’re so frustrated you can’t think clearly? Not letting go of mistakes quickly can spiral … [Read more...] about Why Athletes “Check Out” After Making Mistakes
Golf Psychology: 8 Signs of a Failing Mental Game
Do You Identify With Any of These 8 Signs of a Failing Mental Game? What are the top signs your mental game is getting in the way of shooting low golf scores? Today I want to share with you the top 8 signs your mental game is backfiring and not allowing you to play to your potential... See if you identify with any of these 8 signs: (1) You perform much better on the range than on the … [Read more...] about Golf Psychology: 8 Signs of a Failing Mental Game