Sports psychology is the study of how psychology affects and influence sports, athletic performance, physical activity and performance. It is also a discipline that draws knowledge from psychology and kinesiology. In addition to instruction and training of psychological skills to athletes, it is also applied in conjunction with coaches, rehabilitation, team building, communication and career transitions. Sports psychology was founded in 1920 by Carl Diem at the Deutsche Sporthochschule in Berlin, Germany. By 1925 two more sports psychology laboratories were introduced, one by Coleman Griffith at the University of Illinois and the other one by A.Z. Puni at the Institute of Physical Culture in Leningrad.
Modern Sports Psychology
Sports psychologist helps athletes or provide research about issues like:
- Anxiety and stress control
- Sports performance motivation
- Group sport psychology
- Performance enhancement using psychological techniques.
What Sports Psychologist Do?
These specialists perform a wide range of tasks related to sports education and performance. Others choose to teach at universities while others opt for applying psychology and work directly with athletes, coaches, trainers and other sports personnel. Their work can also include athletic consulting, research/studies and counseling. These psychologists also use their expertise in increasing the mental wellness on non athlete clients. Clients range from kids , teenagers, non pro and professional athletes.
Benefits of Sports Psychology
Participating in sports requires a degree of mental stability and toughness to overcome pain and adversity. Applying this to athletes is one of the main goals of sport psychology which can also be applied in real life situations. If applied correctly, the benefits include:
- Proper coaching. We know that professional teams have their own staff of professional psychologist at their disposal, coaches at any level use psychological techniques in getting the best from each athlete on the team. Cultivating mental toughness and character in players by example plus personal attention will help athletes perform at their peak and at their best.
- Psychology and sports injury. The connection between physical and mental health is being recognized in sports. Stress and pressure to perform will physically manifest in an athlete. Coaches and the medical team should know and recognize the symptoms like disoriented sleep, fatigue and stomach cramps may have roots in the athletes psyche. Lack of concentration, sleep deprivation and other distractions can cause injuries. These injuries may cause athletes to feel depressed, humiliated and guilty. They will feel that they let the team down. Psychologist are there to rehabilitate the athlete to work through the pain and self-confidence issues.
- Performance. Mastery of the human psyche is one important role in sports. The five elements of performance enhancements include: cognitive, which includes creating a powerful image; attention control; goal setting; stress management and imagery and visualization. Mastering and controlling certain elements that blocks with peak performance is the key in overcoming the enemy.
The importance of sports psychology cannot be denied. With the rise of people engaging in sports and other physical activities, these sports psychology specialists will help them in performing at their best and reach their 100%.
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