How is it possible that incredibly gifted athletes who are physically talented often choke during a game or match?  Why does the athlete who is consistent during practice fall apart at competitions?  This scenario is seen much too often in all sports.  Athletes spend several hours training their physical skills.  Their bodies are physically fit and muscle memory is intact, yet mentally they are untrained.  Being mentally tough involves a variety of mental skills that must be practiced and mastered before optimal performance can be achieved.  Sport psychology consultants are professionals that help athletes obtain peak physical performance through mental training.  Mental skills that must be mastered include: distraction control, emotional/arousal control, imagery, positive self-talk/instruction/attitude, relaxation techniques, focusing (in the zone), goal setting, and having a pre-event routine.

Parents play a vital role in their children’s performance as well.  What parents say or don’t say have a direct effect of the child’s mental state of mind, which in turn influences sports performance.  In the series of newsletters to follow, these mental skills will be described in detail and related tips for parents will be discussed.

Debbie Tran
Master of Sport Psychology