Sports Psychology for Dummies - 2nd Edition by Leif H Smith & Todd M Kays (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Get your head in the game with this hands-on guide to the psychology of sport

There's more to getting into the right headspace for the big game or event than trying to think like a winner. Modern sports psychologists emphasize advanced strategies like biofeedback and neurofeedback, while encouraging the use of mindfulness and other mental health techniques.

In Sports Psychology For Dummies, 2nd Edition, a team of athletic performance experts and psychologists walks you through the mental side of intense competition and training. From the importance of focus to the tactics designed to restore and improve confidence after a loss, you'll explore ideas such as goal setting, self-perception, and self-talk. This book also covers:

• Personalized plans for athletic success
• Real-life examples of sports psychology changing the athletic experience in different sports
• The wide variety of careers available in the field of sports psychology and how to get started in them

Ideal for athletes, parents of student athletes, and coaches looking for ways to improve performance both on and off the field, Sports Psychology For Dummies is also the perfect resource for anyone interested in a career in this rapidly growing and evolving field.

From the Back Cover

Gain the winning edge through focus and grit

If you're in search of an essential resource for improving athletic confidence, performance, and motivation, look no further. The techniques in this book help you learn to focus better, stay more alert, keep a cool head under pressure, and be patient with yourself, no matter what your sport. This book is for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to gain that winning edge through mental toughness. With coverage on mental health, mindfulness, and resilience, this book focuses on the issues that today's athletes increasingly face.

Inside...

• Real-world anecdotes from the authors' own work with athletes
• Tips for building confidence
• Ways to master the art of focus
• Using imagery and mindfulness to perform at your best
• Straight talk about mental health issues that athletes struggle with
• Advice for coaching and parenting today's athletes

About the Author

Leif Smith, PsyD, is president of a sports psychology and performance consultancy. His work has been cited in publications such as The New York Times. Todd Kays, PhD, is president of the Athletic Mind Institute, a sports and performance consulting firm. He's a licensed psychologist whose training and guidance have helped thousands of athletes.