Performance Archives - Page 17 of 50 - BelievePerform - The UK's leading Sports Psychology Website

Team Building

Preseason psychology for team sports

In sport there are four main components to performance; physical, technical, tactical and psychological. Ideally in preseason each aspect will be addressed and trained to ensure the players are fully...

Nutrition

Hydration and cognition: Drinking to stay alert

Athlete preparation is a hugely diverse area with many different factors contributing to producing the best possible performance on any given occasion. It is the norm to see player preparation...

Applied Sport Psychology

Why are some players afraid to shoot?

Sports, such as basketball, require individuals to shoot under pressure, and under the observation of others, such as co-actors (other performers), an audience, or a coach. Performing in front of...

Applied Sport Psychology

Observation as an alternative to imagery?

Imagery is a great tool for improving sports performance and its use and benefits have been well documented. However it is thought that the weaknesses of imagery can limit the...

Applied Sport Psychology

A realistic approach to developing focus and concentration

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” - Zig Ziglar This month I would like to discuss the aspect of focus...

Parenting Tips

How and when should praise be given?

In my previous article about parenting in sport (link available below), it was concluded parents should support, praise and encourage their child’s involvement in sport. What failed to be detailed...

Parenting Tips

Optimism in sport

Abraham Lincoln once described an a optimist as someone who "finds opportunity in every difficulty" whilst a pessimist to be someone who 'finds difficulty in every opportunity". Another way to...

Mental Health

Potential costs of an exclusive athletic identity

Athletic identity is defined as the degree to which an individual identifies with the athlete role (Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993). Athletes are usually rewarded for complete commitment to...

Nutrition

Hydration and endurance performance: Debunking the myths

The topic of hydration still appears to be confusing for those who are looking for advice. A quick search on online and you will find a variety of conflicting information...

Applied Sport Psychology

“Why would I want to work with a Mental Coach? I’m not crazy!”

As athletes and coaches at all levels become more sophisticated, using a team of people to support and help the athlete and coach is becoming more commonplace. Using a strength...

Mental Health

The role of mindfulness in sport

Imagine yourself walking up to the tee box on the 18th hole of the PGA Championship. You are leading the field, and simply have to make par to win the...

Applied Sport Psychology

Psychological benefits of a warm-up

‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’ – Aristotle Novices and experts alike are all, or at least should be, aware of...

Applied Sport Psychology

Reflection and goal setting

Performance can be broken down into many different aspects. These aspects are psychological, technical, physical, and nutritional. Performers alongside their coaches need to be mindful about these aspects and write down...

Physiology

Napping for weekly sleep health in elite junior athletes

In my last clinical update on sleep and sports injury in adolescent athletes, I described the stressors that they face in day to day training and competition. As well as...

Performance

The stigma of mental health: is it increased for athletes?

“Mental health has a stigma that is tied into weakness and is absolutely the antithesis of what athletes want to portray. ” (Dr. Thelma Dye Holmes) When an athlete experiences...

Physiology

Cold water immersion - more than just a placebo effect?

We have all seen pictures in the media of sports stars huddled together taking a dip in an ice bath. The hugely successful Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and Andy Murray...

Applied Sport Psychology

Mental toughness in football

The purpose of this article is to promote the use of mental toughness within football. Mental toughness is an important concept that coaches and players should engage during training and...

Applied Sport Psychology

Reaching Your Potential – An Optimum State of Mind

When playing within a team sport having freedom and creativity are vital aspects of successful performance. This style can transform teams who are rigid and playing within their boundaries into...

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