Sports psychology articles and mental performance coaching for athletes, performers, parents, and coaches.
Volleyball Players Who Dwell on Mistakes Summary: Elite volleyball performance depends on mastering a one-point-at-a-time mindset. Dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future outcomes leads to frustration, loss of confidence, and inconsistent play. Volleyball players—especially setters and liberos who touch the ball the most—must learn to let go of errors and stay present. As … Sport Psychology Article>>
Staying Motivated During Volleyball Practice Summary: In volleyball, not every practice will come with high energy or the perfect coaching approach. Great players learn to bring their own positive mindset, set practice goals, and find ways to improve even in tough situations. Whether it’s sharpening individual skills when the coach focuses elsewhere or using adversity … Sport Psychology Article>>
Help Sports Kids Overcome Social Approval Summary: Young athletes often struggle with confidence when they focus too much on what coaches or teammates might think of their mistakes. This pressure can lead to shaky performances and fear of failure. By helping kids identify their true worries, challenging irrational fears, and focusing on the process rather … Sport Psychology Article>>
Do You Set Yourself Up to Fail in Triathlons? Summary: High expectations often backfire for triathletes, leading to frustration and lower confidence. While goals are useful for motivation, the key to success lies in focusing on the process rather than obsessing over results. By shifting attention to controllable actions—like transitions, pacing, and in-race adjustments—athletes can … Sport Psychology Article>>
Are You Making Preround Mental Game Mistakes? Summary: Preparation is a cornerstone of confidence in golf, but injuries can disrupt physical training and practice. Fortunately, golfers can still build confidence through mental preparation, which often has the biggest impact on performance. Strategies like visualization, relaxation, pre-shot routines, and learning from professional role models help maintain … Sport Psychology Article>>
USA Hockey Team’s “Gold Medal Mentality” Summary: In hockey, success isn’t determined solely by talent, speed, or size—it’s mindset that makes the real difference. Athletes who adopt a “gold medal mentality” stay aggressive, focused, and resilient no matter the score, opponent, or pressure. What separates those who succeed and those who fall short of their … Sport Psychology Article>>