The most successful athletes in Olympic competitions have used Mental Strategies to help them perform better in their sport. For the last three decades Sport Psychologists have accompanied the US Olympic team to help athletes develop their own Mental Preparation program. During a major sporting event, in the midst of excitement, it’s easy to become distracted and lose focus. Distractions can be internal (Psychological) or external such as getting caught up a less than perfect athletic venue, the weather, etc. Mental Preparation helps athletes deal with such issues and regain Concentration. There are several concepts that make up Mental Preparations and describe whether the athlete is low, high or average with regards to Mental Strategies. The CAP-the Comprehensive Athletic Profile, developed by Sam Sterk, Ph.D., Director of Peak Performance Plus LLC, helps to pin point and assess the following:
- An athlete’s Internal Motivation to succeed in his/her chosen sport.
- The use of Visual Imagery
- Focus and Concentration
- Work Ethic
- Tension Control
- Goal Setting
- Mental Toughness
- Sportsmanship
This tool can be purchased by Coaches, Sports Performance coaches, Sport Psychologists or the athlete himself/herself. This tool can help coaches decide on whether or not to add an athlete to the team. The tool can be purchased through PayPal and within 24-48 hours you will receive a personalized assessment, just as if you were in the office with Dr. Sterk. The results will have a summary of the areas where improvement would prove to be helpful to the athlete. In sports, behind every skill execution is a thought. Some thoughts are positive and resonate with confidence. Others deter Concentration and have a plethora of doubts and uncertainty. It is helpful for athletes to have a Mental Preparation routine that helps with Distraction Control, and reminders of Positive Self talk.