Sports Psychology For Dummies

by Leif H. Smith, Todd M. Kays

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 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.

Genres: Psychology, Sports

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2010

About the author

Dr. Smith has worked with thousands of athletes, from all levels of competitive sports, and hundreds of coaches. He also maintains a busy private practice in Dublin, Ohio, where he helps people suffering from depression, anxiety, and other clinical issues. A dynamic and engaging speaker, Leif regularly presents on all topics performance related.
Leif is a former Adjunct Graduate Faculty member at The University of Dayton, where he taught for ten years. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and his work has been cited in publications such as The New York Times and Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2010, he co-authored the book, Sports Psychology for Dummies, published by John Wiley and Sons, Toronto.

In his free time, Dr Smith enjoys training in Muay Thai kickboxing, reading, and he also enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book on sports psychology. It covers a huge range of topics within sports psychology - I didn't know the discipline was so comprehensive! The writing style is very easy to read - much like other "dummies" books - although with a little less of the characteristic humour. That's not a complaint, just an observation.

Some of the topics include: goal setting; mental toughness; focus; confidence-building; using imagery to improve performance; building positive self-talk (and eliminating negative self-talk); using task management to manage time; building pre-game routines; understanding what pressure is and how to handle it; understanding and managing energy levels; dealing with mistakes, losses, and form slumps; dealing with injuries; team psychology; leadership in teams; coping with burn-out; what parents of athletes should know; and applying sports psychology techniques to everyday life situations.

One aspect I liked about the book is that it has a realistic, not idealized, approach to its topics. For example, saying that even top athletes can struggle with confidence from time-to-time. Makes it less perfect, and more achievable for an ordinary person like me!

There's so much meat in this book I'm going to have to re-read it to absorb everything the authors try to convey.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best for dummies books that I have gotten through.
I am unsure if it's a good representation of sports psychology, however, I found it thorough and accessible with actionable advice.
Rather than being ABOUT sports psychology, it teaches you how to USE and DO sports psychology.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I listened to the audiobook version. The book contains a lot of general information but definitely worth listening to. During the book, I had frequent aha moments that explained why I felt the way I did.

This book is not only good for sports, but it can also benefit you outside if you're a manager or a parent. I've read some dummies books, and most of them are a hit and miss but this one is a banger for sure.

If you practice sports, are a coach or parent or if you are a team-leader or manager, I'd definitely say to go and give this book a read.

For me it was a 5/5

[Jim Sheedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful text. The strengths for me are the kids/parents sections. That they use female examples often is good in the male dominated world of sport. Obviously the text is influenced by the American culture so in parts does not gel well with the Australian cultural view. Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods are not currently seen as "ideals" of integrity in sport or interpersonal behaviours, and probably not at the time of the writing of this text either. However, a good overview of the area valuable to many readers.

[Didi At · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice book, easy to understand with a lot of examples. But it was too focused on team sports, especially in the second half. Still I found useful ideas in it, and I would try to implement them in my everyday life and training.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent--covering a lot of relevant topics though a bit repetitive

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about as good of a book as can be written on what I consider a light subject. As an amateur athlete, I at least found it helpful! Also has good advice for parents.

[Suryaprakash Devarakonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books teaches you the unique concept of "Controlling the Controllable s". Also cater many spectacular concepts like FOCUS, MOTIVATION, GOAL SETTING etc. Worthy page turner