Acquiring the winning edge in sports-the mental edge Mental conditioning is now seen by many to be as critical to sports success as physical conditioning. And for parents eager to ensure their children have a winning edge-as well as a future college scholarship-nothing could be more critical to success. This book offers readers a comprehensive program to gain that winning edge, providing training tips and techniques along with helpful advice to keep in mind while competing. With practical advice on how to strengthen concentration (and when you shouldn't concentrate), talk yourself into winning, and develop routines that will lead to consistent improvement, the book's full personalized program will help any athlete gain over time the winning edge in any sport With tips on how to regulate your energy to avoid exhaustion; and how to enhance your team's chemistry through sports psychology Loaded with real-world examples from amateur and professional sports of all kinds Applicable to not only sports-but business as well-Sports Psychology For Dummies will enhance any competitor's motivation, focus, and will to win, when facing life's toughest challenges.

"The text guides readers through these situations: -Understanding the dynamics of a variety of issues, including alcohol abuse and violence, referral processes, erotic transference and countertransference, and communication problems between coaches and athletes; -Working with diverse clients, including athletes of color, gay and lesbian athletes, and disabled athletes; -Presenting to and working with entire teams; -Plumbing the depths of several complex topics, including eating disorders and injury and identity issues. In addition to covering some of these complex and deeply personal topics, the text details the fundamental issues of applied sport psychology, including developing the consultant-client relationship and connecting with teams, coaches, and individuals. In dealing with relationships a sport psychologist would typically face, Sport Psychology in Practice addresses serious ethical and philosophical issues and asks more general questions about the field and how to work with clients. Sport Psychology in Practice contains insights from an elite list of contributors who explain, using real-life examples, how they successfully and ethically "do" sport psychology. Methods that have worked for the most respected practitioners in the field are presented with an informal, engaging approach and rely substantially on dialogue and actual experiences."--

"The first book of its kind, the Handbook of Research on Sport Psychology contains an extensive array of chapters on theories, research, and applications authored by a host of international experts." "This valuable resource not only covers what is presently known in sport psychology, but extends to the frontiers of investigation, where conclusions have yet to be drawn. The authors emphasize a comprehensive treatment of each research area cited and link findings and methods throughout the Handbook's entire research collection." "Ultimately, this book provides its readers with useful theoretical explanations for current findings in sport psychology and guides them to new areas of research activity." "The Handbook's forty-four chapters begin with a general orientation on research in sport psychology. The book goes on to cover a variety of specialized areas of research and influence in the field. The second section deals with assessment of skill acquisition, followed by a section on psychological characteristics and high-level performance. Another section deals with social-cognitive dimensions of motivation, leading to a discussion of research on popular psychological techniques that may enhance athletic performance." "Social factors such as socialization, moral psychology, and the impact of spectators on athletic performance are addressed, followed by a specific consideration of group structure, leadership, and group psychology. Also assessed are the connections between sport and life-span development, including age, gender, and enhancement of the quality of life. The coverage of specific research topics concludes with discussions on exercise and health psychology." "The Handbook goes on to explore research methodology in a stimulating section on psychometrics. Analyses of research paradigms and protocols typically used in sport psychology are provided, as well as suggestions on how to improve current research methods. The final section of the book addresses moral and professional-ethical issues in sport psychology and how they are being resolved today. Extensive bibliographies are appended to chapters throughout the book." "The Handbook of Research on Sport Psychology is an invaluable resource for every college and university library, sport psychologist, athlete, and coach. Sport psychology professors should also seriously consider the adoption of this text for their graduate classes and as a sourcebook for research in the field."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

In eight chapters representing a cycling team's eight sessions with a sports psychologist, this book teaches athletes how to cultivate the thoughts, feelings, and insights necessary for optimal cycling performance. It includes breathing techniques for power and emotional control, tips for handling pressure, and four types of imagery.

This third edition presents a thorough review of the literature and terminilogy in key topic areas. The clear explanation of potential research directions and the list of contributors make this a must-have book for students of sport psychology.

Endorsed by the International Society of Sport Psychology, this classic reference draws on an international roster of experts and scholars in the field who have assembled state-of-the-art knowledge into this thorough, well-rounded, and accessible volume. It is completely updated to reflect the latest research and is an indispensable resource for any student or professional interested in the field of sport psychology.