Sports psychology articles and mental performance coaching for athletes, performers, parents, and coaches.
How to Be Clutch Like Portland’s Damian Lillard Summary: Being clutch in sports means performing under pressure without fear of the outcome. Many athletes struggle in high-pressure moments because they worry about results, which increases nerves and hurts performance. Calm athletes who focus on the process rather than the outcome are more likely to succeed. … Sport Psychology Article>>
How Excuses Hurt Your Mindset in Sports Summary: Excuses undermine an athlete’s performance by shifting responsibility to outside factors. Successful athletes take full control, focus on adjustments, and approach challenges as problems to solve. Visualization and reflection on past competitions help reinforce a mindset of responsibility. Excuses, excuses, excuses… Excuses are the enemy of any … Sport Psychology Article>>
Are You a 24/7 Athlete? Be a Balanced Athlete Summary: Focusing exclusively on training can create pressure and increase the risk of burnout. Athletes perform best when they balance sport with personal life, downtime, and hobbies. Setting a schedule, maintaining interests outside athletics, and separating competition from daily life helps athletes recharge, stay passionate, and … Sport Psychology Article>>
Focus on Fun For Your Athletes Summary: Youth sports offer far more value when the focus is on fun, personal growth, and participation rather than chasing scholarships or elite status. Parents should emphasize teamwork, discipline, confidence, and mental skills that transfer to everyday life. Avoid overspending on equipment and reduce pressure to perform, allowing children … Sport Psychology Article>>
How to Mentally Prepare For Tryouts Summary: Athletes preparing for middle school or high school tryouts should focus on confidence, composure, and mental readiness. Coaches value potential and how players handle challenges, not just flawless performance. Let go of expectations, stay focused on each play, and respond positively to mistakes or feedback. Many athletes always … Sport Psychology Article>>
How to Manage Pressure Like MVP Summary: James Harden’s journey from sixth man to NBA MVP highlights the importance of preparation, perseverance, and team focus. While individual recognition feels rewarding, Harden emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from pursuing team success, such as winning a championship. He views pressure as a sign of being unprepared and … Sport Psychology Article>>