Sports psychology can help Elite and amateur athletes

There was a time not so long ago when the idea of sports psychology would have been dismissed by those who take part in sport, but that has certainly changed over recent years. The reason for this dismissal was simple. Sports psychology was thought by many to be nothing more than mumbo jumbo, but results from sports men and women in all disciplines have more than proved the benefits. Although it is often thought to be a relatively new discipline, the fact is that sports psychology has been around for a long time, with some historians tracing its origins to the beginning of the 20th century. Sports psychology, as we know it, began in the United States when boxing coaches were looking at ways in which to motivate their fighters. Incidentally, this is where the term 'psyching up' is believed to have originated, although the methods used in sports psychology today are a little more sophisticated.

Mental toughness and sports psychology

If you are an athlete or sportsperson, you will know that there is more to success than being in the peak of condition and hitting top form on the day of the event. There are thousands of examples of sportsmen and women who are without doubt full of class and at the top of their game, yet they fail to hit the mark when it comes to their moment on the world sporting stage. This is where mental toughness and sports psychology meet. If you are lucky enough to find a sports psychology professional who can help you develop your mental approach to your sport, the chances are you will be taking a major step towards whatever goal you have set yourself.

Perhaps one of the best examples of how mental toughness and sports psychology combine to create a super champion can be seen in Lance Armstrong, the seven times winner of the Tour de France. In October 1996, the Texan was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which later spread to his stomach and brain. The prognosis was grim but, as we know, Armstrong returned to professional cycling and won the first of his seven Tours in 1999. It must be pointed out that prior to his illness, Armstrong was regarded as one of the best single day riders in the pro ranks. He had already won the world professional road title in 1993, but had failed to make an impact on the Tour de France. As he made his recovery from cancer, Armstrong turned to sports psychology in a bid to prove that he could come back stronger and better than ever before. There are other examples of mental toughness and sports psychology working together to create an outstanding sportsman or woman.

If you want to find out how mental toughness and sports psychology can work together to bring maximum success, contact WattWorks today for more information.