Sports psychology has become a hot field as athletes look for ways to improve their focus and sharpen their minds. The pressure of competition can make athletes fear failing and can lead them to see a sports psychologist trained in helping them overcome their fears.

The Scenario

A basketball player is standing at the line with no time left on the clock and needs to make two free throws in order to send the game into overtime. The home court crowd is screaming so loudly that thinking becomes difficult. Thoughts of losing the game and disappointing teammates rush through the player’s head, his heart pounding. What if he misses? What will people think?

That is exactly the point of sports psychology. Who really does care? Sports are an activity that is meant to be enjoyable. Although the outcome of certain games seems important at the time, rarely are the events that unfold on the court or field of life of any threatening consequence. However, it is human nature to want to succeed and for that reason sports psychology has developed techniques in which to help athletes through stressful situations, as well as coping with defeat.

Control What is Controllable

There are things that cannot be controlled in athletic competitions. Playing conditions, other competitor’s performances, and random bad breaks are among a few. Harping on these uncontrollable factors does no good to an athlete and takes away mental focus that could be put towards performance enhancing tasks. Most athletes do better when they roll with the punches and let bad breaks lie. There has never been an athlete who was trying their hardest and intentionally messed up. Therefore, the only thing that can ultimately be controlled is an athlete’s mind. Having a positive attitude and being in control of one’s emotions does not guarantee success, but it greatly increases the chances.

Choking

Choking is a popular term used to describe athletes who collapse under pressure, especially in the last minutes of a competition. Choking is so feared that some athletes spend more time trying not to choke rather than trying to produce a good performance or deliver a personal best. The cure for choking is simple. Focus on the task at hand. Forget the consequences of the athletic action and put the brain to work on what needs to be done to successfully complete the act. Draw upon the positives memories of past successful performances to boost confidence and welcome the increased heart rate and shaking hands as signs that the body is sharper and better prepared to successfully complete the task at hand than ever before.