Sports Psychology for Dummies

Get your head in the game with this hands-on guide to the psychology of sport
 
There's more to getting into the right headspace for the big game or event than trying to think like a winner. Modern sports psychologists emphasize advanced strategies like biofeedback and neurofeedback, while encouraging the use of mindfulness and other mental health techniques.
 
In Sports Psychology For Dummies, 2nd Edition, a team of athletic performance experts and psychologists walks you through the mental side of intense competition and training. From the importance of focus to the tactics designed to restore and improve confidence after a loss, you'll explore ideas such as goal setting, self-perception, and self-talk. This book also covers:
* Personalized plans for athletic success
* Real-life examples of sports psychology changing the athletic experience in different sports
* The wide variety of careers available in the field of sports psychology and how to get started in them
 
Ideal for athletes, parents of student athletes, and coaches looking for ways to improve performance both on and off the field, Sports Psychology For Dummies is also the perfect resource for anyone interested in a career in this rapidly growing and evolving field.

List of contents

Introduction 1
 
Part 1: Getting the Winning Edge: Sports Psychology Fundamentals 5
 
Chapter 1: Introducing Sports Psychology and Mental Training 7
 
Chapter 2: Starting with the End in Mind: Know Your Ideal Athlete Mindset 15
 
Chapter 3: Setting Goals: Aiming High and Hitting the Bull's Eye 23
 
Chapter 4: Stoking the Fire in Your Belly: How to Fan the Flames of Motivation 37
 
Chapter 5: Swagger: The Art and Science of Building Real Confidence 55
 
Part 2: Your Mental Toolkit for Success 73
 
Chapter 6: Tool #1: Mastering the Art of Focus 75
 
Chapter 7: Tool #2: Seeing Is Believing: Employing Imagery 95
 
Chapter 8: Tool #3: Self-Talk: Don't Yell in Your Own Ear 115
 
Chapter 9: Tool #4: Winning Habits: How Routines Improve Performance in Competition 133
 
Chapter 10: Tool #5: Handling Pressure: Playing with Fire without Getting Burned 153
 
Chapter 11: Tool #6: Handling Adversity: The Art of Resilience 175
 
Chapter 12: Tool #7: Sharpening Awareness: Being Mindful 199
 
Part 3: Hot Topics in Sports Psychology 209
 
Chapter 13: Talking About Mental Health Issues 211
 
Chapter 14: Managing Stress Better 225
 
Chapter 15: Making the Shift from High School to Collegiate Sports 237
 
Chapter 16: Using Sports Psychology Skills in Daily Life 247
 
Chapter 17: Exploring a Career as a Sports Psychologist 257
 
Part 4: The Sports Psychology-Savvy Coach 269
 
Chapter 18: Coaching Today's Athletes 271
 
Chapter 19: Mental Drills to Use with Athletes and Teams 291
 
Part 5: The Part of Tens 301
 
Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Be a Better Competitor 303
 
Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Parent an Athlete 311
 
Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Be a Better Leader for Your Team 321
 
Index 329

About the author

Leif Smith, PsyD, is president of a sports psychology and performance consultancy. His work has been cited in publications such as The New York Times. Todd Kays, PhD, is president of the Athletic Mind Institute, a sports and performance consulting firm. He's a licensed psychologist whose training and guidance have helped thousands of athletes.

Summary

Get your head in the game with this hands-on guide to the psychology of sport

There's more to getting into the right headspace for the big game or event than trying to think like a winner. Modern sports psychologists emphasize advanced strategies like biofeedback and neurofeedback, while encouraging the use of mindfulness and other mental health techniques.

In Sports Psychology For Dummies, 2nd Edition, a team of athletic performance experts and psychologists walks you through the mental side of intense competition and training. From the importance of focus to the tactics designed to restore and improve confidence after a loss, you'll explore ideas such as goal setting, self-perception, and self-talk. This book also covers:
* Personalized plans for athletic success
* Real-life examples of sports psychology changing the athletic experience in different sports
* The wide variety of careers available in the field of sports psychology and how to get started in them

Ideal for athletes, parents of student athletes, and coaches looking for ways to improve performance both on and off the field, Sports Psychology For Dummies is also the perfect resource for anyone interested in a career in this rapidly growing and evolving field.

Product details

• Authors: Todd M Kays, Todd M. Kays, Kays Todd M., Leif H Smith, Leif H. Smith, Leif H. Kays Smith, LH Smith, Smith Leif H.
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.04.2022
• EAN: 9781119855996
• ISBN: 978-1-119-85599-6
• No. of pages: 368
• Subjects: Guides > Sport > Motorsport, motorcycle sport, bicycle sport, aviation sport; Sportpsychologie, Lifestyle, Sport, sports, Lifestyles