The operationalised definition of sports injury differs within the existing sport psychology literature often owing to the differing severities and durations of injury (Nicholl et al, 1995), this variation in definition can therefore result in discrepancies regarding empirical results (Pargman, 2007). However, despite this debate regarding operationalisation, there is no debate that sports injuries can […]
Imagery is the ability to use all the senses to create or recreate an experience in the mind. Thus, imagery is a sensory experience that occurs in the mind without environmental props. Imagery research in sport dates back to 1930 when the technique was used to enhance physical practice and to prepare an athlete mentally […]
Stretching has long been standard practice in sport. Advocates of stretching claim that it helps reduce injury, improve performance, and aid recovery. However, a number of studies have shown that stretching doesn’t actually produce all the positive physiological effects that were once thought to be true. In fact, studies have shown that certain types of […]
Unfortunately injury is a common threat when it comes to both elite and non-elite sport. How we cope with it may determine our path to either full recovery or re-injury. We often participate in major competition despite ‘having a niggle’ or carrying a larger injury and passing it off as nothing much (Lopez & colleagues, […]
Confidence is such a key component of successful performance in sport and a player’s loss of confidence can brutally be laid bare in the professional arena. Footballer Ashley Young appears to be having a crisis of confidence, not helped by his apparent penchant for diving. The reputation of Manchester United’s winger has fallen a great […]
Not so long ago I was asked by a friend of mine, who is an athlete as well as me and has been for most of his life, whether I would encourage my own children into the competitive world of athletics. After a lot of consideration there was an uncertainty over the answer, but more […]
Whether its recreational or professional, injury is a common occurrence at all levels of sport and exercise. Evidence has shown that physical factors such as over-training, equipment and playing conditions are the major contributors towards an athlete’s injuries. However, there are many other psychological factors that play a huge role in the gaining, prevention and […]
With Injury comes a loss of confidence (Doran, 1984). Whilst low confidence can be a result of injury, it can also cause injury e.g. not fully committing when going in for a rugby tackle. Magyor & Chase (1996) conducted a study looking at the consequences of having low self-confidence pre- and post-injury in gymnasts and […]