Does Performance Change Based on your Opponent? Do you prepare or train differently when you are the underdog as opposed to being the one favored to win? Many athletes or athletic teams prepare and play to the level of their competition. The problem with inconsistent preparation is that it leads to inconsistent performance. When you take an opponent … Sport Psychology Article…
Do You Crumble During Crunch Time? Time and time again, we hear from athletes who talk about having difficulties competing under pressure. These athletes believe the ability to handle pressure is an inborn trait. However, there is no such thing as a “clutch” gene. Performing successfully under pressure is a learnable mental skill. Even if you see yourself … Sport Psychology Article…
Do You See Yourself as a Confident Athlete? Does your confidence go up and down throughout the season? For many athletes, confidence is dependent upon their circumstances or opponents. When these athletes compete against lower-ranked opponents, they “feel” confident. When their chances of success are high, they “feel” confident. However, when they face undefeated opponents or competitors they … Sport Psychology Article…
How do Long Games Impact your Performance? More than physical factors, mental factors affect the outcome of close games. Back-and-forth games are often a game of attrition or who can wear down their opponent. Some athletes feel more comfortable during close competitions than other athletes. For example, some basketball players are better able to focus when the lead … Sport Psychology Article…
Belief, Confidence, and Accomplishment When you believe you can achieve a goal, you build confidence to go after that goal. When you have unshakeable confidence, you are more resilient, overcome obstacles and increase the likelihood of accomplishing your goal. The relationship between belief, confidence, and accomplishment is cyclical. Belief sets the cycle in motion, but what creates belief? … Sport Psychology Article…
In this episode, Dr. Cohn answers a question from a reader playing in the flow all the time. Here’s the question of the week: WILLIAM: “I think to play well, I have to be in flow. But I can’t seem to enter flow at will. How do I always enter into the flow for every time I compete?” Listen … Sport Psychology Article…