Acquiring the winning edge in sports-the mental edgeMental conditioning is now seen by many to be as critical tosports success as physical conditioning. And for parents eager toensure their children have a winning edge-as well as a futurecollege scholarship-nothing could be more critical to success. Thisbook offers readers a comprehensive program to gain that winningedge, providing training tips and techniques along with helpfuladvice to keep in mind while competing. With practical advice onhow to strengthen concentration (and when you shouldn'tconcentrate), talk yourself into winning, and develop routines thatwill lead to consistent improvement, the book's full personalizedprogram will help any athlete gain over time the winning edge inany sport* With tips on how to regulate your energy to avoid exhaustion;and how to enhance your team's chemistry through sportspsychology* Loaded with real-world examples from amateur and professionalsports of all kindsApplicable to not only sports-but business as well-SportsPsychology For Dummies will enhance any competitor'smotivation, focus, and will to win, when facing life's toughestchallenges.

Introduction 1Part I: Getting the Winning Edge: Sports PsychologyFundamentals 7Chapter 1: Introducing Sports Psychology 9Chapter 2: The Gladiator Mind: Strengthening What's Underthe Helmet 17Chapter 3: Setting Goals: Aiming High and Hitting theBull's-Eye 29Chapter 4: Stoking the Fire in Your Belly: How to Fan the Flamesof Motivation 39Chapter 5: Swagger: The Art and Science of Building RealConfidence 55Part II: Your Mental Toolkit for Success 69Chapter 6: Mastering the Art of Focus 71Chapter 7: Seeing Is Believing: What You Need to Know aboutImagery 87Chapter 8: Self-Talk: Making Sure You're Not Yelling inYour Own Ear 105Chapter 9: Getting a Hold of Your Schedule 119Part III: Staying Competitive: Sports Psychology in Action131Chapter 10: Winning Habits: How Routines Improve Performance inCompetition 133Chapter 11: Handling Pressure: Playing in the Fire withoutGetting Burned 149Chapter 12: Staying Strong: The Importance of Managing EnergyLevels 165Chapter 13: Handling Adversity: The Psychological Art ofBouncing Back 181Part IV: Improving Team Performance with Sports Psychology199Chapter 14: Communicating as a Team 201Chapter 15: Leading Your Team to Victory: Athletes as Leaders213Chapter 16: Developing Teamwork 229Part V: Sports Psychology for Coaches and Parents 243Chapter 17: Coaching Today's Athlete 245Chapter 18: Parenting an Athlete: How to Be More than Just a Fan263Part VI: The Part of Tens 281Chapter 19: Ten Ways You Can Use Sports Psychology at the Office283Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Be a Better Competitor 293Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Manage Stress Better 299Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Parent an Athlete 309Index 317