Sports Psychology For Dummies

Your smart guide to gaining the winning edge with sports psychology In sports, mental training and toughness are just as important as physical talent. With practical training techniques and helpful strategies for anyone looking for that winning edge — from athletes and coaches to parents and even businesspeople — this friendly guide to sports psychology will help you take your performance to the next level. Build mental toughness — learn to bounce back from adversity, be motivated to do your best, and stay calm under pressure Cope with performance anxiety — find ways to focus your attention on what matters and control your emotions Use visualization and self–talk — develop positive thought patterns, find out what type of imagery works best for you, and understand when to use it Develop strategic routines — create practice and competition habits that improve your focus and consistency Improve team chemistry — work on your communication skills, embrace your role on the team, and take ownership of success and failure Open the book and find: How to pull yourself out of a slump Routines used by professional athletes Strategies for staying confident, even after a bad game The qualities of a great team leader Why pressure is actually a figment of your imagination What to do when your personal life distracts you from the game How to handle a conflict with your coach or teammate Ways to use sports psychology at the office "A terrific resource for serious competitors. Every encounter that awaits the player and coach is addressed. This book needs to be in every player′s locker and on every coach′s desk." — Jim Tressel, Ohio State Football Head Coach Learn to: Set and reach your goals Play your best under pressure Develop winning habits Bounce back from adversity

Introduction 1 Part I: Getting the Winning Edge: Sports Psychology Fundamentals 7 Chapter 1: Introducing Sports Psychology 9 Chapter 2: The Gladiator Mind: Strengthening What’s Under the Helmet 17 Chapter 3: Setting Goals: Aiming High and Hitting the Bull’s–Eye 29 Chapter 4: Stoking the Fire in Your Belly: How to Fan the Flames of Motivation 39 Chapter 5: Swagger: The Art and Science of Building Real Confidence 55 Part II: Your Mental Toolkit for Success 69 Chapter 6: Mastering the Art of Focus 71 Chapter 7: Seeing Is Believing: What You Need to Know about Imagery 87 Chapter 8: Self–Talk: Making Sure You’re Not Yelling in Your Own Ear 105 Chapter 9: Getting a Hold of Your Schedule 119 Part III: Staying Competitive: Sports Psychology in Action 131 Chapter 10: Winning Habits: How Routines Improve Performance in Competition 133 Chapter 11: Handling Pressure: Playing in the Fire without Getting Burned 149 Chapter 12: Staying Strong: The Importance of Managing Energy Levels 165 Chapter 13: Handling Adversity: The Psychological Art of Bouncing Back 181 Part IV: Improving Team Performance with Sports Psychology 199 Chapter 14: Communicating as a Team 201 Chapter 15: Leading Your Team to Victory: Athletes as Leaders 213 Chapter 16: Developing Teamwork 229 Part V: Sports Psychology for Coaches and Parents 243 Chapter 17: Coaching Today’s Athlete 245 Chapter 18: Parenting an Athlete: How to Be More than Just a Fan 263 Part VI: The Part of Tens 281 Chapter 19: Ten Ways You Can Use Sports Psychology at the Office 283 Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Be a Better Competitor 293 Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Manage Stress Better 299 Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Parent an Athlete 309 Index 317

Leif H. Smith , PsyD, is president of Personal Best Consulting, a sports psychology and performance consultation firm. Todd M. Kays , PhD, is president of the Athletic Mind Institute, a sports and performance consulting firm.