Sport Psychology Library: Gymnastics

by Cogan, Karen D.

• ISBN13: 9781885693174
• ISBN10: 1885693176
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Fitness Info Tech,West Virginia University

Summary

Want to be a better gymnast? Want the mental skills needed to stay focused and the physical skills to maximise your success? Then this is the guide to improving your performance potential. Co-authors Karen D Cogan, sport psychologist and Peter Vidmar, Olympic Gold Medalist -- have combined their experience and expertise to create a teaching guide for aspiring gymnasts of all ages. Many gymnasts have the physical attributes, but often lack the mental skills needed for peak performance level. In this book, Olympians Shannon Miller, Amanda Borden, Jaycie Phelps, Kerri Strug, and Tim Daggett discuss how they used mental skills to become champions.

Author Biography

Dr. Karen Cogan is a former UCLA gymnast and internationally known sport psychologist. Karen has a Ph.D. in psychology and consults with athletes at the University of North Texas Center for Sport Psychology and in her private practice. Peter Vidmar serves on the Executive Committee of USA Gymnastics. In 1984, he led the US Men's Gymnastics Team to its first-ever Olympic Gold Medal while also capturing the gold on pommel horse and the silver in the all-around competition.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Introduction	p. 1
An Introduction to the Mental Side of Gymnastics	p. 3
Getting Started: Learning the Basics in Gymnastics	p. 7
The Gymnastics Environment	p. 11
The Sport Psychology of Gymnastics	p. 17
Playing the Mental Game of Gymnastics	p. 19
Learning to Psych Up or Calm Down: Using Relaxation and Energizing Strategies	p. 25
Using Mental Imagery to Picture Ideal Performances	p. 39
Positive Thinking: Making Your Mind Work for You	p. 45
Developing Focus: Honing Your Concentration Skills	p. 51
Goal Setting for Success	p. 57
The Apparatus	p. 61
Vault (Men and Women): Vaulting to Success Using Mental Strategies	p. 63
Floor Exercise (Men and Women): Tumbling to the Top	p. 69
Uneven Parallel Bars: Getting Into the Swing of Things	p. 75
Balance Beam: Walking a Steady Line While Staying Focused and Relaxed	p. 81
Pommel Horse: Circling With Mental Skills	p. 89
Rings: Developing Your (Mental) Strength	p. 93
Parallel Bars: Using What's Between Your Ears Between the Bars	p. 95
High Bar: Getting Into the Swing of Things II	p. 99
Simulating Competition	p. 103
Relationships With Other People in Gymnastics	p. 109
Parents	p. 111
Peter Vidmar's Tips for Parents Raising Young Gymnasts	p. 119
Working With Your Coaches	p. 125
Coping With the Audience, Fans, and Media	p. 131
Dealing With Fear	p. 135
Overcoming Mental Blocks	p. 137
Concerns About Injuries	p. 143
Dealing With Body Image and Eating Concerns	p. 151
Body Image and Awareness	p. 153
Eating Disorders	p. 159
The Role of Gymnastics in Your Life	p. 171
Balancing Your Life	p. 173
Keeping Fun in the Gymnastics Game	p. 181
Conclusion: Staying Tough in the Face of Disappointments	p. 185
References	p. 187
Index	p. 189
Glossary of Terms	p. 197
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