Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Part I: Getting the Winning Edge: Sports Psychology Fundamentals 7 Chapter 1: Introducing Sports Psychology 9 Chapter 2: The Gladiator Mind: Strengthening What?s Under the Helmet 17 Chapter 3: Setting Goals: Aiming High and Hitting the Bull?s-Eye 29 Chapter 4: Stoking the Fire in Your Belly: How to Fan the Flames of Motivation 39 Chapter 5: Swagger: The Art and Science of Building Real Confidence 55 Part II: Your Mental Toolkit for Success 69 Chapter 6: Mastering the Art of Focus 71 Chapter 7: Seeing Is Believing: What You Need to Know about Imagery 87 Chapter 8: Self-Talk: Making Sure You?re Not Yelling in Your Own Ear 105 Chapter 9: Getting a Hold of Your Schedule 119 Part III: Staying Competitive: Sports Psychology in Action 131 Chapter 10: Winning Habits: How Routines Improve Performance in Competition 133 Chapter 11: Handling Pressure: Playing in the Fire without Getting Burned 149 Chapter 12: Staying Strong: The Importance of Managing Energy Levels 165 Chapter 13: Handling Adversity: The Psychological Art of Bouncing Back 181 Part IV: Improving Team Performance with Sports Psychology 199 Chapter 14: Communicating as a Team 201 Chapter 15: Leading Your Team to Victory: Athletes as Leaders 213 Chapter 16: Developing Teamwork 229 Part V: Sports Psychology for Coaches and Parents 243 Chapter 17: Coaching Today?s Athlete 245 Chapter 18: Parenting an Athlete: How to Be More than Just a Fan 263 Part VI: The Part of Tens 281 Chapter 19: Ten Ways You Can Use Sports Psychology at the Office 283 Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Be a Better Competitor 293 Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Manage Stress Better 299 Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Parent an Athlete 309 Index 317

About the Author

Leif H. Smith , PsyD, is president of Personal Best Consulting, a sports psychology and performance consultation firm. Todd M. Kays , PhD, is president of the Athletic Mind Institute, a sports and performance consulting firm.