{"id":9374,"date":"2019-04-05T16:51:15","date_gmt":"2019-04-05T16:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=9374"},"modified":"2025-06-06T07:02:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T11:02:26","slug":"how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Thrive as an Underdog in Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/general-image-big.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/general-image-big.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/general-image-big-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Underdog_Mindset_in_Sports\"><\/span>The Underdog Mindset in Sports<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/#The_Underdog_Mindset_in_Sports\" >The Underdog Mindset in Sports<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/#How_to_Compete_with_the_Underdog_Mindset\" >How to Compete with the Underdog Mindset:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Sports Psychology Articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/#The_Fearless_Athlete\" >The Fearless Athlete<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>The definition of underdog is a team or individual that has a small chance of winning a competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few examples when you may be considered the underdog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Playing against an undefeated team this season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competing against higher ranked or seeded opponent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playing against a team that you have never beaten<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competing against physically stronger or faster opponents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Going up against athletes who are adorned with many accolades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Athletes&#8217; or teams&#8217; <strong>mindset<\/strong> determines the chances to pull out a win or successful outcome when over-matched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, you want to work on the right <strong>mindset<\/strong> that will help you play to your or your team&#8217;s ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, overcome the label of &#8216;underdog&#8217; for a moment\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How would you feel if you were told by your friends that \u201cYou probably won\u2019t win today\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What would you think if your teammates said, \u201cWe are going to get crushed this game\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much effort or focus would you apply if you said to yourself, I have no chance to win today\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you believe you have zero chance of success, you&#8217;ll probably go through the motions and not give 100 percent effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have this defeatist <strong>mindse<\/strong>t, you have little chance of succeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now flip the script\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How would you feel if you were considered the next possible Cinderella story?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What would you think if you saw the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and pull off the upset?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How would it affect your effort if your teammates were excited to be the team to dethrone the reigning champions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This underdog <strong>mindset<\/strong> would fuel your effort and focus, after all, you have a chance of succeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The underdog <strong>mindset<\/strong> relies on the fact that you have trained at a high level. In other words, you must be physically and mentally prepared to your fullest for the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The underdog <strong>mindset<\/strong> requires that you trust your training and believe in your ability to perform to your capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The underdog <strong>mindset<\/strong> requires that you keep your focus on your strengths, embracing the challenge, and looking to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Case in point, look no further than the Virginia Tech\/Duke University game in the sweet-16 match-up at the 2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Duke was picked by many to win the tournament and arguably have the most dominant player (Zion Williamson) in all of college basketball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people picked Duke to win the game handily. Despite being the underdog, Virginia Tech\u2019s strategy was to avoid the hype and keep the focus on their strengths and game plan, according to Virginia Tech senior Ahmed Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HILL<\/strong>: <em>&#8220;Our game plan stays the same. Yeah, [Williamson] is a tremendous player. But it is what it is. We&#8217;re going to not let the ball get in the paint\u2026 make him shoot long, contested 3s and force turnovers. We&#8217;re going to limit our turnovers and get great shots.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Virginia Tech guard Justin Robinson said the team saw the game as just another game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ROBINSON<\/strong>: <em>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think we&#8217;re excited for the moment. I think it&#8217;s just another game for us.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite losing the game in the last seconds, 75-73, Virginia Tech battled and gave themselves a chance to win. That is the underlying positive quality of the underdog <strong>mindset<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Compete_with_the_Underdog_Mindset\"><\/span>How to Compete with the Underdog Mindset:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you should feel no expectations or pressure to win as the underdog, which allows you to play freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The &#8220;underdog <strong>mindset<\/strong>&#8221; doesn\u2019t guarantee victory, but success is not always about the final outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You want to keep the focus on your game plan. Write out the 3 keys for success the day before the competition. Read these keys the day of and just before the competition. These keys should be your sole focus during the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And be sure to focus on your talents, strengths, and abilities, not your opponent&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-win-close-competitions\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/mental-toughness-as-an-underdog\/\"><strong>Mental Toughness as an Underdog<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-counter-the-upset-when-playing-an-underdog\/\"><strong>How to Counter The Upset When Playing an Underdog<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-become-a-sports-cinderella-story-team\/\"><strong>How to Become a Sports Cinderella Story Team<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-dca36a64-5c8f-4fcf-8dfb-da8bd663e456\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-370496de-1ed7-41e2-a009-254e9ec866b2\"><strong>Download a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/mental-toughness-report-athletes\/\">free sports psychology report<\/a>&nbsp;to improve your mental game!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-af5321a1-562b-4266-b2e9-068b5b1e1556\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sport-psychology-training-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Fearless_Athlete\"><\/span>The Fearless Athlete <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/fearless-athlete-small.jpg\" alt=\"The Fearless Athlete Audio and Workbook Program\" class=\"wp-image-19344\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For the last two decades, I\u2019ve been working with athletes and helping them optimize their physical ability by teaching them the secrets of top performing athletes. Now, you too can <strong>learn how to regain that child-like fearless attitude.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mental toughness is what separates the winner<\/strong> from the loser in any competition. Champion athletes train hard in practice, perform without fear in competition, and trust their skills in crunch-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fearless Athlete program<\/strong> is ideal for any athlete that wants to overcome fear of failure and uncover inhibiting perfectionistic traits; or for any coach or parent who wants to teach athletes to perform with trust and freedom in competition.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d86f0f1f\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-15746978 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/the-fearless-athlete-cd-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET DETAILS<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-5e1cf75e gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/collections\/the-confident-athlete-series-digital-download\/products\/the-fearless-athlete-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUY NOW<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Underdog Mindset in Sports The definition of underdog is a team or individual that has a small chance of winning a competition. Here are a few examples when you may be considered the underdog: Athletes&#8217; or teams&#8217; mindset determines the chances to pull out a win or successful outcome when over-matched. Thus, you want to work on &#8230; <a title=\"How to Thrive as an Underdog in Sports\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Thrive as an Underdog in Sports\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,5,142,40],"tags":[1085],"class_list":["post-9374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-confidence-in-sports","category-mental-game-of-sports","category-sports-psychology-tips","category-mental-preparation","tag-mindset-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.5.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Athletes&#039; or team mindset determines the chances to pull out a win or successful outcome when over-matched. Read more on how to change your underdog mindset\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Patrick Cohn\"\/>\n\t<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"underdog,,mindset in sports\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-thrive-as-an-underdog-in-sports\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO Pro (AIOSEO) 4.9.5.2\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sports Psychology Articles | Sport Psychology Articles for Athletes, Coaches, and Sports Parents\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Thrive as an Underdog in Sports | Sports Psychology\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Athletes&#039; or team mindset determines the chances to pull out a win or successful outcome when over-matched. 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