It doesn’t matter what the sport is, once you take it seriously you will usually be taught the skills and techniques of the sport by a coach. In fact, the word ‘coach’ is directly associated with the concept of sports. Whether you are learning one on one or as part of a group in a club setting, the coach will gradually teach you more about the sport and help you to improve your results. Then, as you become more interested and serious about improving, you will also be putting in extra hours of practice either by yourself or with others.
Nowadays, it is widely appreciated that sport does not only have the components of knowledge, skill & technique, and physical strength – but also there is a mental or psychological aspect. Again, regardless of the sport, the psychological aspect is always a key factor, and make no mistake, it is a very important part of the pie. Some sports are less physical and more mental and so this part is even more paramount. Examples of some low physical but high mental input are poker, chess, darts, shooting or archery – where a high level of stillness and focus is required.
In today’s ultra-competitive world, it’s not just the top level of professionals that include mental training in their approach to their sport – it is increasingly being employed by semi-pro and even amateurs in the quest to improve quicker and take themselves up to the next level.
Years ago, this psychological topic may have been thought of as a little bit taboo in sports. Successful athletes may have kept this added tool as a secret. However, it is no longer taboo or secret and there are many top level sports celebrities that have expressed they have received some form of mental coaching assistance in their sports training. Some of these are: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordon (basketball), Serena Williams (tennis), Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo (golf), Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Nigel Benn, Steve Collins (boxing), and Conor McGregor (MMA). If you were to do more research in any specific sport, then you will find more examples.
So whether it is labelled ‘Sports Psychology’ or ‘Mental Coaching’ there is no doubt that it is now regarded as highly important as part of the ‘mental game’ of sports. In fact, it’s has been stated by a few high profile stars that this part is up to 80% of the game.
What aspects does Sports Psychology Coaching work on?
Sports coaching to achieve sporting excellence includes:
* Dealing with the pressure of higher level competitive sports
* Managing sporting performance nerves
* Optimising focus and concentration
* Improving physical technique
* Increasing fitness & recovery
I can personally vouch for the importance and success of taking the psychological side of sports seriously. It was through this subject in martial arts that my interest in therapy/coaching first developed.
You can read about that here.
Due to my own personal history in martial arts, I am very well experienced to provide sports psychology coaching. In fact, I specialise in this subject working with other martial artists (see more here), but the applications and strategies used can be applied to each and every sport.
If you are a sportsman or woman, or perhaps you are a teacher or club owner. If you are serious about your sport, if you wish to improve and take things to the next level, become much better, much quicker than you ever thought possible – then please connect with me to find out more.