Psychology of Sports

In a recent interview with Glenn McGrath, he was asked what goes through his head at the top of his run before he bowls.  His answered was as follows. 
Walking to the top of my mark, I think about and analyse the previous ball.  I then work out what ball I will bowl next.  As I turn at the top of my head I forget about it all, sing a song in my head and then commence my run to the crease.
For people who don’t know who Glenn McGrath is, he was one of Australian best fast bowlers in cricket, this link, http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/6565.html, show his statistics.
What he does, should be performed in some way by any athlete who does multiple events or has multi performances in one event.
Psychologists, or people, who know the terminology better than I, will tell you the name and what you are trying to achieve.
The way I see it, when you are performing don’t think whilst in the act, trust your training and if, slight, adjustments need to be made do it between rounds or games not during the act.
If you think about doing something, by the time you do it – it will be too late.
In training you must remember the six S’s, which are;
1.      Speed
2.      Stamina
3.      Strength
4.      Suppleness
5.      Spring
6.      P(S)ychology
Most coaches and athletes train the first 5 ad-nausea, but don’t spend a lot of time on the sixth.  Maybe coaches and athletes need to spend more time to develop the skill, and yes it is a skill, of psychology training.
According to http://www.sportsmindskills.com/index.php the rules of sports psychology
1. Process over outcome
If you maintain a consistent focus on the performance aspects of your sport – executing skills in a timely and effective manner, employing appropriate tactics and strategy and pacing well – you can be sure that results will take care of themselves. If you can fill your mind with stuff related to performing and there won’t be much room left for any nerves.
2. Develop pre-competition routines
Well-crafted routines (not superstitions) help put you in a frame of mind for good performances and assist with mental relaxation. They give you confidence that your preparation is complete.
3. Associate with good people and methods
Most sports require individuals to work hard for many years to generate the potential to compete on a world stage. This can only be done efficiently with help. For your long term prosperity, aim to develop and nurture relationships with coaches, training partners, team mates, family and friends. The regular contacts you have with these people will determine what sort of athlete you can become.
4. Use imagery to pre-think skills, tactics and strategy
Notice how elite athletes seem to have all the time in the world when making decisions? That’s because they’ve already decided what to do in a given set of circumstances by having already thought about the options – “If he does that I’ll do this.”
5. Use imagery to practice skills
See and feel yourself training and competing. You can use imagery to learn new skills, practice old ones and see yourself performing in locations you’ve never been to all without getting sweaty, tired or injured! Scientific research and anecdotes from elite athletes offer compelling evidence that imagery enhances performance.
6. Whether you think you can or can’t, you will.
Self-belief is core to success in any endeavour.
7. Set goals
Set realistic and high goals for yourself to provide motivation and focus to your efforts.
8. Remember that the choices are yours
Since you’ve chosen to train and compete, you may as well do it well. Choose to commit totally to your goals.
9. Practice makes perfect
This age-old maxim is true for your mental skills as well. You can develop and practice your mental skills on and off the field. It only takes a few minutes a day.
10. Have fun
It’s just sport, right? Look forward to challenging situations, try hard, enjoy yourself and be proud of your efforts.
I don’t spend enough time coaching the skill of psychology for sports performance, however the first step I take is introducing the athlete to relaxation methods by using breathing techniques.

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