Sports and Performance Psychology

A blog about peak performance through the use of mental conditioning, sports and performance psychology.

Athletes develop resilience over time, building mental and social skills that act as a shield against the negative effects of adversity and failure.

This is the first of a special CNHI series of stories examining the impact of social media on college athletes.

This is the third of four of a special CNHI series of stories examining the impact of social media on college athletes.

When talking to Johann Ingi Gunnarsson, one usually experiences a moment of enlightenment. "Turn the lights on" is one of the favorite phrases of the former handball coach, who has now become one of the most sought-after (sports) psychologists in Iceland. Top athletes and top managers rely on his advice. Here he shares his recipe for success, which he brings from Iceland to the whole world.

Research is showing that players can use mindfulness techniques to improve the mental resilience required to perform at the highest level.

Mikaela Shiffrin won the last race of the season at World Cup Finals to break the records for most women's giant slalom wins and podiums.

Going into a game, you want to have the best mindset you can. Learn five questions you can ask yourself to get into the right mindset before a game as an athlete.

Well-publicized professional sports stars’ injuries draw attention to dangerous influences on young athletes.

Cowboys' kicker Brett Maher had everyone in the sports world talking about the yips

When dealing with pre-race nerves, or stress before a big, brutal and certified not-awesome main set, the expectation most swimmers have is to rid themselves of the feelings of anxiety.

Do you have a fixed or a growth mindset? Learn what the difference is between the two and how you can develop the growth mindset moving forward as an athlete.

The No. 1 pick should serve as the vessel to blast San Antonio into a future of sustained success.

Do you know why you perform well in practice but not games? The answer may be closer than you think! Find out why and what you can do to fix this!

This is the second of four stories about the impact of social media on student-athletes's mental health

This is the final part of a special CNHI series of stories examining the impact of social media on college athletes.

Communication. That is what it all boils down to. The stigma around anxiety in athletics has made it difficult for athletes at all levels to come forward and communicate the fact that they are struggling. 

Whether on or off-season, football teams are known to go to lengthy heights in order to prepare for upcoming seasons and strenuous games. Throughout history, athletes of all different nationalities and sports …

Carles Alcaraz, the 18-year-old Spanish tennis player, won the BNP Paribas Open with a stunning performance. He defeated the world's top players to become the youngest ever champion of the tournament.

A Personal Perspective: Sports team auditions are as pleasant as taxes.

New research finds that negative self-talk could be an indication of mental health struggles. Here’s how to change the script.

A new model breaks down the ability to fight through adversity into its constituent parts

A study of UK athletes and their coaches found links between psychopathy and both anger and aggression. Machiavellianism, another dark personality trait, predicted anger. The study was published in Psychology of Sport & Exercise

Along with their agility and power, Iga Świątek and Ons Jabeur brought to the court an openness about processing the pressures of the sport.