Abstract

The top athletes in all sports are the best, not only because their technical, tactical and physical preparation is good, but because they also devote time and effort to the mental skills associated with high level performances. A planned program of mental skills training is necessary for success in sport and this book will assist the athlete and coach to learn the basis for mental skills practice which will help alleviate some of the barriers to optimal performance created by the mental side of sport performance. This book is written for the coach and athlete to use in the initial stages of a mental skills training program. It is presented in a format which provides the coach and athlete with a method that will increase the probability that each will be able to fulfill their responsibilities. Each of the sections in this book present the following: 1) the concept upon which the skill is based; 2) specific responsibilities for the coach and athletes as they relate to the skills; 3) examples for goal-setting in the specific skill; 4) exercises which can be used to practice the skill. Before the specific skills are presented, there is a chapter which provides a means to assess the current strengths and weaknesses of the athletes mental skills. This information can be used by the coach and athlete to better plan an effective approach to the development of a mental skills training program. Aus der Einleitung