Type of psychology that specializes in sports/ athletes, how the brain reacts and responds to the unique challenges that sports cause, and how to optimize the brain for training

-Goal setting, imagery, concentration strategies, self esteem, emotional management, strengthening team bonds, working on relationships between athletes and coaches (parents and coaches, etc)

Why is Mental Performance Training (MPT) Important?

  1. When talent is equal, mental performance stands out

  2. Mental performance and physical performance go together

  3. Helps athletes manage the stress and pressure of youth sports

What Does Mindset Have to do With Sports?

A large part of games is mental, and what you think in your head influences how you play the game.

For example: When you are taking a free throw, and your first thought in your head as you shoot is: “You better not mess this up.” This negative thought influences your shot and of course, you miss.

-Fixed mindset: innate and stable over time regardless of external factors

-Growth mindset: views ability as malleable and able to change with feedback


Significant negative correlation between growth mindset and competitive anxiety - McNeil et al 2023

-High growth/low fixed has the best performance benefits