What is Sport Psychology and How Can it Help Me?
Sport psychology involves offering psychological assistance with athletic performance, physical activity and exercise. Consulting is usually obtained to assist athletes in consistently performing in the upper range of their capabilities as well as enhancing the enjoyments of the sport performance process. Such professionals can also aid in improving performance, managing competitive pressure, rehabilitating from an injury or making the transition from competing at a high level to phasing out of competitive sport. Furthermore, sport psychologists can help with children’s sports teams by fostering self-esteem and increasing the fun and satisfaction of participating.
Sport psychology is the study of how the mind affects physical activity, sports, exercise and athletic performance. According to the American Psychological Association, “sports psychology addresses the interactions between psychology and sport performance, including the psychological aspects of optimal athletic performance, the psychological care and well-being of athletes, coaches, and sport organizations, and the connection between physical and psychological functioning.”
Sport psychologists teach psychological techniques such as goal setting, energy management, relaxation skills, motivation, attentional focus, self-talk and positive imagery in order to maximize performances.