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#sports psychology
dropintomanga · 11 months
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Medalist - The Best Manga (Almost) No One Is Reading
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“I want to strongly believe I can do it. I hate how much I know about the no-good side of me. I want to be more like the girl Coach Tsukasa believes in. I want to be someone I can believe in!”
Sometime last year, I was overhearing talk from manga bloggers/reviewers about a certain under-the-radar Kodansha title that deserves more attention. I later found out that it was licensed in the U.S. and also won several awards in Japan. This manga is about a sport that I’m not knowledgeable about (but has gained a lot of attention due to a anime series I’m sure people know called Yuri!!! on Ice!!), figure skating. This past week, I got to read the 1st 4 volumes of Tsurumaikada’s critically-acclaimed Medalist and finally saw what I was missing.
I don’t know a damn thing about figure skating, but I sure as hell know a great manga when I see it. And Medalist is just that.
Medalist focuses on the journey to become a competitive figure skater in Japan through the eyes of a child and her coach. The main character in question, Inori Yuitsuka, is a 5th grader who’s noted to be bad at everything in life so far except ice skating. However, she skates in secret as she has little access to skating rinks and she’s also considered to be “too old” to start competitive training. It isn’t until she meets her future coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji, that her life changes. Tsukasa had aspiring dreams to become a pro figure skater, but wasn’t able to due to starting at a later age. He becomes depressed over life due to not achieving anything significant in his figure skating career. When Tsukasa meets Inori, he realizes that she’s the same as him and decides to help her realize her dreams of becoming a pro figure skating medalist no matter what.
The art in this series is incredible. The figure skating scenes are well-done, but what really shines are the character interactions. Inori won the Magademy 2023 award for best female character and I can see why she won. She’s a kid who’s trying her damn best to challenge her insecurities via her passion for ice skating. I can’t help but be moved when Inori says something important to get her point across.
Tsukasa is a relatable character to those who feel lost at their hobby. As someone who feels like they started “late” for a competitive interest where it’s best to start young, I get where Tsukasa is coming from. This applies to my now-daily interest in Japanese mahjong. I’m well-past the general demographic (18-34) for the game in the U.S. as I started playing at the age of 38. There’s obviously certain barriers (mostly life responsibility-related), but I recently experienced the joy of helping a beginner get through a game in-person. I think, like Tsukasa, I want to at least help the next generation of mahjong players get started and find their paths to become better players.
Inori and Tsukasa’s relationship is amazing and well-written. Every great athlete needs a coach to bring out the best in them. However, if the coach/athlete relationship is based on how much an athlete wins, it will not go well. This becomes complicated when it comes to coaching children. With the exception of Inori being a 5th grader, Medalist focuses on aspiring 3rd grade figure skaters who are, for the most part, level-headed. But they all have personality quirks that can get in the way of achieving greatness. This manga does a great job in illustrating the coach/athlete dynamic when it comes to very young children. It’s something I don’t see in most media.
One of my favorite moments is in Volume 2 where Inori boldly tells her mother that she will get 1st place in a preliminary showing at a major cup and attempt techniques that appear to be hard for her. Inori’s mother didn’t really approve of Tsukasa getting her daughter into the world of pro figure skating at the start. But once she saw Inori look like an absolute gem in the making on the rink, she laments that she never thought of Inori’s feelings out of a fear of being hurt inside. I don’t know about any of you, but in my experience, my mother told me not to push myself so hard because of my mental limitations. She has told me not to try super-challenging jobs due to my depression. I think maybe she was trying to make sure she didn’t get hurt by my struggles and look like a bad parent to others. Part of it was also my own fault since I looked at the labeling I was prescribed a bit too seriously. 
So yeah, seeing Inori’s mother know that Inori can actually do something meaningful with her life got me emotional. I do feel that some parents are really overprotective over their children and what they should be doing in life. I don’t blame them because failure over things that aren’t the norm will always be scary. Plus, not every dream will come true. Yet I know what every child wants from their parent is to believe in their ability to become whatever it is they want to be/do and that they’ll have their support no matter what. I wish more parents opened their eyes enough to see that.
I could go on and on about Medalist, but I’ll stop here. This is a fantastic series to read for anyone interested in relating to ambitious children and being there for them in realistic ways. Medalist is a bold story that details what it takes to create a winning environment for children, parents, and the communities around them. 
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lemonworldmp3 · 6 months
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sports-psych · 3 months
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Oldies Arent Always Goodies
January 26-27, 2024
Please excuse any typos, im tired and my computer doesnt have spellcheck that is compatable with tumblr.
Connor Berdard was the first overall pick of the 23-24 NHL Draft. Hes the youngest on the Chicago Blackhawks. Amongst hockey fans the blackhawks are known as an "old team". And not in the way that the team is one of the original 6, established in 1926. But the players are older. The average age of the team is only 26.66, but this is old considering most players retire between the ages of 26-30.
Connor Berdard is only 18 years old. It was assumed he would have a hard time adjusting, working with people so much older than him. It seemed to not actually be an issue, especially since there is one of his teammates that acts a father figure towads him (Nick Foligno I believe).
But my point is focused around Corey Perry. Perry was terminated from the Blackhawks earlier this season. At first it wasnt know why because though it may not be unheard of, it is uncommon that players are removed from a team in the middle of a season. Rumors sparked that the was an incident on the Chicago Blackhaws Mothers trip. Im sure you can guess from the name but NHL teams have parent/mentor trips. The respected parents or mentor will accompany the team on a series of away games. During the blackhawsa mothers trip it was rumord that Corey Perry and Connor Bedard's mother, Melanie Berdard, had sexual relations. That rumor was solid for about a week or 2 befor connor stated that it was rediculous and the Blackhawks managment stated that Perry's departure and the rumor had no relation. Infact his departure was related to him making a pass at an NBC employee. Hes married by the way.... Perry admitted what he had done was wrong and then began to get help for his Mental Health and Alcohol Abuse.
Perry has sighned a 1 year contract with the Edmonton Oilers and claims he's really changed in the last 2 months and has had time to properly reflect on his actions. I personally feel 2 months isnt really enough time to change yourself if you have outstanding mental and substance abuse issues. But hey, I'm still learning.
Many athletes develope some sort of addiction over the years to help them deal with their stress. If Perry had been able to work on his addiction problem before then all of this may have been avoided. The Chicago Blackhawkes actually have a Mental Performance staff. 2 mental performance coaches and a performance psychologist. I want to know how his problems seemed to have just bypassed the 3 people whos job it is to help him. Maybe he was just too far gone.
As for Connor Berdard, as accepting as his team maybe at times, I still feel he coud do better on a younger team. Other than a 19 year old, the closests player in age is still 21. And there is a big diffrence between 18 and 21. Older men are prone to be... know it alls. Itt hasnt been reported but im sure there have been times when the older players treated Bedard like a child. That could mess with his confidence.
I didnt really explain my points in detail. Hopefully I got it across tho. Young and old athletes can experince issues that can affect them. (ill probably edit this tomorrow when im not burnt out from research papers.)
-AshX
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January 28, 2024 edit
So I've been thinking about this all morning. Something doesnt seem to be adding up. Corey Perry blamed his actions on his mental health issues and his alcohol abuse. Thats understandable but what baffles me is the team has staff to help him. I mentioned that he may have been so far gone that they couldnt do much. But why was he still playing. Sports/Performance psychologist have to code to follow that shoud cause them to pull him due to mental health issues. Why wasnt he?
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whydoiwrite · 2 years
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This kind of self-talk, if you’re going to talk shit, is 👍🏻
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mattdemers · 1 year
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Nice to see more esports people blogging.
Aui_2000 won The International (Dota 2's world championship) this year as a coach, and won in 2015 as a player. He went through this year as a bit of a retrospective, and covered a couple insightful things about teambuilding.
Nice read for people interested in the competitive side of esports, but might have a bit of specificity towards Dota 2.
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feralprodigy · 2 years
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Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis— Lessons from a Master, Brad Gilbert and Steve Jamison
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g0ldmedal · 6 days
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I’m Too Tired To Swim
Being tired is normal. It can be mental or it can be physical, and also it can be both. The problem is differentiating between them, and in particular, when it is both. Physical tiredness is when we exercise exceptionally hard and that stress is enough to force your body to adapt. For a time afterwards you will be rebuilding your cells and refilling your depleted energy resources. This does not…
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samwargacki · 1 month
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Title: The Unseen Journey: Commitment and Encouragement in Youth Soccer
In my journey through the world of competitive soccer, from playing in the Professional Arena Soccer League to reflecting on the path not taken in collegiate soccer, I've discovered the core elements that sculpt an athlete: commitment, encouragement, and an unwavering belief in oneself. My experience has taught me the profound impact of these elements, not just in sports, but in any endeavor that demands excellence.
The Foundation: Belief and Commitment
It begins with a belief, a burning desire within that says, "This is the path I choose." But belief alone is not enough. It must be coupled with an ironclad commitment—a commitment that reshapes your life, prioritizing your goals above all else. This isn't about a fleeting interest or a temporary passion; it's about knowing what you want and rearranging your life to make it happen.
For me, the realization came too late that if one wishes to reach the heights of collegiate soccer or any high-level athletic pursuit, there are no shortcuts. It demands more than just talent; it requires a lifestyle built around the goal.
The Role of Encouragement: A Parent's Influence
Reflecting on the journey, I've come to understand the unparalleled role of encouragement, particularly from parents. The power of a parent's belief in their child's dream cannot be overstated. When a child says, "I want to be a professional golfer," or "I aim to play soccer at the collegiate level," it's the parent's belief that ignites a similar belief in the child. "Why can't it be you?" becomes a powerful mantra that drives the young athlete forward, pushing them to embody the discipline and hard work their goals demand.
Discipline: The Cornerstone of Success
This discipline isn't confined to the playing field; it infiltrates every aspect of life. It's about showing up for practice even when your mind screams no, pushing through the pain, and clinging to the regimen you've committed to—because the goal at the end of the road is worth every sacrifice. And it's not just the athlete's commitment; it's a family's journey. Every practice, every game, is a step forward, a collective effort toward the dream.
Navigating Peaks and Valleys
In the pursuit of excellence, understanding the inevitability of peaks and valleys is crucial. There will be moments of doubt, times when the path seems insurmountable. But it's in these valleys that growth occurs, where the determination to push through the hardship refines the athlete, sculpting them into a warrior ready for the next challenge.
As parents and mentors, our role is to remind the young athlete of their commitment, of the reason they started this journey. "You said you wanted this," we remind them, anchoring them back to their initial spark of passion. And when the valleys seem too deep, we're there to reassure them that peaks are on the horizon, waiting to be conquered.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth
In the end, the journey through competitive sports is about more than just the game. It's a lesson in life, a testament to the power of belief, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or a supportive parent on the sidelines, remember: the path to excellence is paved with dedication, discipline, and the unyielding belief that yes, it can be you.
As I look back on my journey, I realize that the lessons learned on the soccer field have shaped me in profound ways. The commitment, discipline, and the belief that 'I can' are not just principles for sports; they're the ethos for a fulfilling life. And to every young athlete dreaming of collegiate soccer or beyond, I say: believe in yourself, commit to your goal, and embrace the journey. The peaks are indeed as breathtaking as the valleys are deep, and every step is worth it.
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bigsouth22-blog · 2 months
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Achieve Peace Performance with Mindful Training for Athletes
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megan-taylor · 3 months
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foulartisancreator · 4 months
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sports-psych · 3 months
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2018 World Juniors-Canada's Scandal
January 24, 2024
!!TRIGGER WARNING!! INVOLVES TALK OF SA. THOSE TERM WILL BE WRITTEN LIKE THIS: EXAMPLE. If you would like to read more, the blue words have links attatched to articles that can inform you further onto the situation.
In 2018 the hockey world had their world juniors championship in London, Ontario. The following april a woman alleged to being gang raped by 8 members of the Canadian team while she was intoxicated. Players on the team released statements, all claiming their inoccents. She ended up dropping her lawsuits but once the NHL got wind of the scandle they launched their own investigations.
In 2022 the investigation was reopend in London and it was no longer optional to participate. (June 20th 2022 hearing on the matter) 2 videos were turned over that were taken during and after the event. Both were of the woman saying she was ok with the activities that took place. She stated in 2019 that the videos were taken and she was forced to say it was consensual.
They proceded to have more hearings on the matter on July 26, 2022 and July 27, 2022.
On August 2, 2022 the victim spoke out again. She was accused of lying at some point, like all women who claim to be raped sadly are. She then took and passed a polygraph test. Unfortunatly in Canada, a polygraph test can't be used as evidence.
One player claimed he was present in the room but wasnt sure what was going on and left.
Now in 2024, names are being dropped. The team members have been put into 4 catagories of
Denying involvement with alibis
Denying involvment without alibis
Released statements but did not deny involvement
Have not released statements
In less than a week 5 players have taken indefinate leaves of absence from their repected teams. They have been orderd by the London, Ontaria police department to report for questioning and face chargers.
The London police department will hold a press confrence on Feburary 5, 2024 addressing the matter.
Hockey Canada has also stated they will give their players lessons on sexual consent.
A thread on twitter that will be able to walk you through the entire case if you're interested.
It is stated that the victim has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, depression, and suicidal ideation from the whole ordeal.
If you are ever taken advantage of in any way it is very important to speak out. People can not get away with treating other people like this. It will also effect you long after the actions take place.
I undertand this is more of a criminal justice post and not really a mental health post but I feel its important to share the knowledge. I wanted to add all the links incase a criminal justice major stumbles across, they may be able to use this info in an assignment. Or maybe add their opinion on the matter to give us more insight.
Thanks guys,
-AshX
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idigitizellp21 · 5 months
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Unlocking The Athlete’s Mind: A Journey Into Sports Psychology
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Sports psychology is a field of psychology that applies psychological principles to the understanding and enhancement of athletic performance. Sports psychologists work with athletes to help them improve their performance by addressing factors such as motivation, anxiety, and self-confidence. It is a relatively new field, but it has grown rapidly in recent years. Sports psychologists work with athletes to help them improve their performance, both mentally and physically. They can help athletes to:
Manage stress: Sports psychologists can teach athletes how to manage stress before, during, and after competition. This can help athletes stay calm and focused under pressure.
Improve motivation: Sports psychologists can help athletes identify their goals and stay motivated to achieve them. They can also help athletes overcome setbacks and stay positive.
Develop mental toughness: Sports psychologists can help athletes develop the mental toughness they need to succeed in competition. This includes teaching athletes how to deal with adversity, cope with failure, and bounce back from setbacks.
Performance enhancement: Sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance by addressing factors such as motivation, anxiety, and self-confidence.
Mental training: Sports psychologists teach athletes mental skills such as goal setting, visualization, and relaxation techniques.
Team building: Sports psychologists help teams improve their performance by addressing factors such as communication, conflict resolution, and cohesion.
Research: Sports psychologists conduct research on the psychology of sports. This research can be used to improve the performance of athletes and teams.
Complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a sports psychologist in India. You can complete your bachelor’s degree at any accredited university or college in India.
Pursue a master’s degree in sports psychology. There are a few universities in India that offer master’s programs in sports psychology. Some of the top universities for sports psychology in India include:
Jamia Milia Islamia
National Sports University
University of Calcutta
Guru Nanak Dev University
Lovely Professional University
Gain experience through internships and fellowships. Once you have completed your master’s degree, you can gain experience by working as an intern or fellow with a sports psychologist or sports team. This will give you the opportunity to apply your skills in a real-world setting.
Get certified by a professional organization. There are a few professional organizations that offer certification for sports psychologists. With this certificate, you can practice and become a member of organizations where you can build a network. For example, in INSPA, in order to bring all of India’s certified sport psychologists under one organization, the Indian Sports Psychologists’ Association (INSPA) was established by forward-thinking sport psychologists. In order to develop and grow the subject of sports psychology, INSPA wants to create a strong network of knowledgeable, passionate, and ethical people. They offer three membership tiers: Professional, Early Career, and Student. Some of the top organizations for sports psychology certification in India include:
Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
Indian Association of Sport Psychology (IASP)
Sports Psychology Association of India (SPAI)
Indian Sport Psychologists’ Association (INSPA)
Once you have completed these steps, you will be qualified to work as a sports psychologist in India. Some of the jobs you could get as a sports psychologist include:
Sports performance consultant: You would work with athletes to help them improve their performance. This could involve providing mental training, goal setting, and stress management techniques.
Team psychologist: You would work with a sports team to help them improve their performance and cohesion. This could involve providing team-building exercises, conflict resolution training, and stress management techniques.
Researcher: You would conduct research on the psychology of sports. This could involve studying topics such as motivation, anxiety, and decision-making in sports.
Educator: You would teach courses on sports psychology at the university level.
The job prospects for sports psychologists in India are good. The field of sports psychology is growing rapidly, and there is a demand for qualified sports psychologists in both the public and private sectors.
There are a number of companies in India that hire sports psychologists. Some of the top companies include:
National Sports Federations: The National Sports Federations (NSFs) are the governing bodies for different sports in India. They often hire sports psychologists to work with their athletes.
Professional Sports Teams: Professional sports teams in India, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, often hire sports psychologists to work with their players.
Sports Academies: Sports academies in India, such as the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala, often hire sports psychologists to work with their trainees.
Educational Institutions: Some educational institutions in India, such as the Jamia Milia Islamia in Delhi, offer courses in sports psychology. They often hire sports psychologists to teach these courses.
List of famous sports psychologists and the people they have worked with:
Gayatri Vartak-Madkekar: She is a former top 100 badminton players in the world and the founder of Samiksha, a sports psychology consultancy firm in India. She has worked with a number of high-profile athletes, including Saina Nehwal, P. V. Sindhu, and Sania Mirza.
Dr. Janki Rajapurkar-Deole: She is the highest qualified sports psychologist in India, with a PhD in Sport Psychology from the University of Stirling in Scotland. She has worked with a number of national teams, including the Indian cricket team, the Indian hockey team, and the Indian football team.
Mugdha Bavare: She is a sports psychologist and counselor who has worked with a number of athletes, including the Indian cricket team, the Indian kabaddi team, and the Indian badminton team. She is also the founder of MindSport, a sports psychology consulting firm in India.
Sanjana Kiran: She is a sports psychologist and the head of the sports psychology department at the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust. She has worked with a number of athletes, including Abhinav Bindra, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist in shooting.
Karanbir Singh: He is a sports psychologist and the founder of the Sports Psychology Academy in India. He has worked with a number of athletes, including the Indian boxer Vijender Singh and the Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar.
Abhilasha Saharan: She is a clinical and sports psychologist and the founder of The Mind Lab, a sports psychology consulting firm. She has worked with a number of Indian athletes, including the Indian women’s hockey team and the Indian men’s cricket team.
Closing Thoughts:
In the world of sports, where a fraction of a second can decide victory or defeat, sports psychology is a game-changer. It equips athletes with the mental tools for success. With a growing demand for sports psychologists in India, it’s an exciting field. Remember, the mind is where champions are made, and sports psychology is the key. Join us at Imperfect to unleash the athlete within!
-Urveez Kakalia and Sakshi Merai.
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traindaly · 6 months
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Visualization and Imagery for Athletes: Mentally Preparing for the Big Event
Your heart and lungs are conditioned, and your muscles are strong and powerful, but they may not be the most important organs to your success as an athlete. The power of the mind cannot be understated, especially when it comes to performance. For athletes preparing for a significant event, mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training. Visualization exercises, rooted in sports psychology practices, meditation, mantra, and envisioning positive outcomes, have become essential tools for athletes aiming to achieve peak performance. This article delves into the world of visualization exercises and how they can make a difference for athletes on the big stage.
1. The Science Behind Visualization
Visualization, often referred to as mental rehearsal or imagery, involves creating a mental image of a specific situation or performance. Sports psychologists have found that the brain doesn't distinguish much between a vividly imagined experience and a real one. When athletes visualize, they activate the same neural pathways as when they're physically performing the action.
2. Guided Meditation and Visualization
Guided meditation provides a structured approach to visualization. Athletes are led through a series of relaxation techniques, followed by detailed imagery of their event. They are encouraged to engage all their senses, picturing the venue, seeing themselves at the start, feeling the equipment or gear , hearing the roar of the crowd, and even tasting the sweat on their lips, or water in the pool.
Steps:
Find a quiet space.
Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
Imagine yourself entering the competition area, feeling confident and strong.
Visualize every detail of your performance, from start to finish. Swimmers should react off the block, picture their entry into the water, feel the efficiency and depth of their streamline, count their under water kicks, time their breakout, count each stroke, kick, and breath wall to wall with each turn.
For shorter events or moments, take it a step further by mentally rehearsing those events at race pace with a stopwatch, starting and stopping the watch when you think the event has completed. How close can you get to your goal time during that exercise.
Athletes could also create familiarity with the event space or course, by looking over the event details website, reviewing available photos and videos of the event, or previous attendance, and create familiarity, comfort, and certainty with as many details of the vent as possible.
Embrace the emotions you'd feel during the actual event.
On event Day:
Listen to motivating music, choosing your favorite pump up mix
Get involved in the event, socializing, cheering, and seeing others success can all be energizing for you.
3. Mantras: Harnessing the Power of Words
Mantras are powerful affirmations or phrases that athletes repeat to themselves to stay focused and motivated. These phrases can be as simple as "I feel strong" or "I am prepared." The repetition of these words serves to reinforce positive beliefs and drown out negative self-talk.
Tips for creating effective mantras:
Keep it short and positive.
Make it personal and relevant to your sport.
Practice repeating it during training sessions.
4. Embracing Positive Outcomes
It's essential for athletes to visualize not just the process but also the positive outcomes. This could mean visualizing standing on the podium, hearing the applause of fans, or feeling the weight of a medal around their neck.
Benefits:
Reinforces the belief that success is attainable.
Provides motivation during tough training sessions.
Helps in developing a winner's mindset.
5. Overcoming Challenges with Visualization
Visualization isn't only about picturing success. It's also about preparing for potential challenges. By visualizing possible obstacles and formulating strategies to overcome them, athletes can be better prepared for unexpected situations during the event.
Example:
A marathon runner might visualize feeling fatigued during the last few miles but then picture themselves drawing energy from the crowd, focusing on their breathing, and pushing through to the finish.
Visualization exercises offer athletes a mental edge, preparing them for both the expected and unexpected challenges of big events. By integrating sports psychology practices, meditation, mantras, and positive outcomes into their mental training regimen, athletes can bolster their confidence, focus, and resilience, ensuring they're as prepared mentally as they are physically for the big day. Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned professional, embrace the power of the mind, and unlock your true potential.
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bloggersmap · 7 months
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In the realm of competitive sports, physical prowess is only one piece of the puzzle that leads to success. The mental game, often underestimated, plays a critical role in an athlete’s performance and achievement. Sports psychology is a specialized field that focuses on harnessing the power of the mind to enhance athletic performance. By understanding and optimizing the mental aspects of sports, athletes can unlock their full potential and achieve peak performance.
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Sport Psychology Services | Performance Psychology Consultant | Mindframe Performance UK
Mindframe Performance is always concerned with each sportsperson's mental health and performance psychology. We work in different areas to improve every individual sports psychology and perception of mental health. For more details, book a free session now at +44 7930805733.
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