Sports Psychology For Dummies

by Smith, Leif H.; Kays, Todd M.

• ISBN13: 9780470676592
• ISBN10: 0470676590
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-09-07
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Mental conditioning is now seen by many to be as critical as physical conditioning to sports success. Sports Psychology For Dummies offers readers a comprehensive program to gain the winning edge, providing training tips and techniques along with helpful advice to keep in mind while competing. Coverage includes how to strengthen concentration (and when you shouldn't concentrate); how to talk yourself into winning; how to develop routines that will lead to consistent improvement; how to regulate your energy to avoid exhaustion; and how you can enhance your team's chemistry through sports psychology. Loaded with real-world examples from amateur and professional sports of all kinds, Sports Psychology For Dummies is essential reading for every athlete, regardless of the reader's sport or competitive level.

Author Biography

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Getting the Winning Edge: Sports Psychology Fundamentals

Introducing Sports Psychology

The Gladiator Mind: Strengthening What's Under the Helmet

Setting Goals: Aiming High and Hitting the Bull's-Eye

Stoking the Fire in Your Belly: How to Fan the Flames of Motivation

Swagger: The Art and Science of Building Real Confi dence

Your Mental Toolkit for Success

Mastering the Art of Focus

Seeing Is Believing: What You Need to Know about Imagery

Self-Talk: Making Sure You're Not Yelling in Your Own Ear

Getting a Hold of Your Schedule

Staying Competitive: Sports Psychology in Action

Winning Habits: How Routines Improve Performance in Competition

Handling Pressure: Playing in the Fire without Getting Burned

Staying Strong: The Importance of Managing Energy Levels

Handling Adversity: The Psychological Art of Bouncing Back

Improving Team Performance with Sports Psychology

Communicating as a Team

Leading Your Team to Victory: Athletes as Leaders

Developing Teamwork

Sports Psychology for Coaches and Parents

Coaching Today's Athlete

Parenting an Athlete: How to Be More than Just a Fan

The Part of Tens

Ten Ways You Can Use Sports Psychology at the Office

Ten Ways to Be a Better Competitor

Ten Ways to Manage Stress Better

Ten Ways to Parent an Athlete

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.