Sports Psychology is a name given to a topic that includes many different areas related to sports performance. These include (Association, American Psychological, 2021)
Ultimately, Sports Psychology relates to how an athlete’s mindset assists or hinders their athletic performance, be that training, competition, or recreationally. As a coach, your role is to assist an athlete to perform at their best this includes psychologically as well as physically. This section will briefly discuss a number of Sports Psychology concepts that will assist you in your coaching of Special Olympics Athletes.
For further information on the topic, it is recommended that you explore expert research on the topic such as academic articles, online learning courses, podcasts, and books.
Special Olympics offers a number of resources for coaches and athletes in the areas of psychology and mental well-being:
· The Sport Psychology for Coaches Guide
· Strong Minds Resources