Sports Psychology For Dummies (For Dummies Series) - Softcover

Smith, Leif H.; Kays, Todd M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470676590 ISBN 13: 9780470676592

Publisher: For Dummies, 2010

Synopsis

Acquiring the winning edge in sports-the mental edge

Mental conditioning is now seen by many to be as critical to sports success as physical conditioning. And for parents eager to ensure their children have a winning edge-as well as a future college scholarship-nothing could be more critical to success. This book offers readers a comprehensive program to gain that winning edge, providing training tips and techniques along with helpful advice to keep in mind while competing. With practical advice on how to strengthen concentration (and when you shouldn't concentrate), talk yourself into winning, and develop routines that will lead to consistent improvement, the book's full personalized program will help any athlete gain over time the winning edge in any sport

• With tips on how to regulate your energy to avoid exhaustion; and how to enhance your team's chemistry through sports psychology
• Loaded with real-world examples from amateur and professional sports of all kinds

Applicable to not only sports-but business as well-Sports Psychology For Dummies will enhance any competitor's motivation, focus, and will to win, when facing life's toughest challenges.

About this title

About the Author

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.

From the Back Cover

Learn to:

• Set and reach your goals
• Play your best under pressure
• Develop winning habits
• Bounce back from adversity

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

"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

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

From the Inside Flap

Learn to:

• Set and reach your goals
• Play your best under pressure
• Develop winning habits
• Bounce back from adversity

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

"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

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

Edition details

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470676590
• ISBN 13: 9780470676592
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 360