What is the Best Mental Approach to a Playoff Series? In a best-of-five series, some players focus on winning three games to pull off a series win. While that may be the goal, it may not be the best approach. When you think of needing to win three games, pressure and anxiety increase. In this mindset, you are … Sport Psychology Article…
Preparation as a Starter or Role Player You can view a lack of playing time as a helpless situation, however, this negative mindset actually leads to a lesser role on your team. When you adopt a negative mindset, several questions and concerns can stir in your mind: This negative approach to being on the bench hurts your motivation, … Sport Psychology Article…
Do you Handle Criticism as an Athlete Well? How has negative criticism affected your athletic confidence in past athletic competitions? Even though criticism can be helpful, it is also hurtful. Negative criticism can cause you to doubt your abilities as an athlete. It can destroy your confidence. Negative comments from media, parents, teammates, coaches, and fans can sprout … Sport Psychology Article…
Are losses devastating or motivating? This is a question all athletes should ask themselves. Some athletes allow one defeat, especially if the competition was significantly important to them, to take the wind out of their sails… They believe the possibility of another defeat is not worth the long hours of training and hard work. That one loss is … Sport Psychology Article…
Ultimate Mindset for Athletes Playing in Big Games What does it take to perform at your peak during the playoffs? Pressure increases a notch in the playoffs. A loss during the regular season is just a loss, just one game. However, in the playoffs, one game may be the difference between going home or going to the championship. … Sport Psychology Article…
Can you take your foot off the gas pedal during a competition? Ask yourself the following questions: There have been countless historic collapses in sports when teams had seemingly insurmountable leads yet found themselves on the losing end when the final buzzer sounded. You can probably think of a competition in your sport when a team collapsed after … Sport Psychology Article…