Sport Science International

There is a powerful connection between the mind and the body. Thoughts have tremendous influence over the physical state. For the athlete, training the mind is as essential as training the body for peak performance. The following are training techniques incorporated in sport psychology:

Relaxation

- creating harmony between mind and body through the use of visualization procedures, e.g., walking in a beautiful meadow on a nice sunny day. "Turning off the noise in the system" by becoming calm and at peace with oneself.

Imagery/visualization

- creating pictures in the mind. Using all the senses (e.g., see, hear, smell, feel (kinesthetic), taste) to create images of the physical skills that athletes want to learn, e.g., the basketball free-throw, the overarm lacrosse throw, the crawl stroke, etc.

Concentration

- blocking out distractions to focus the mind on a particular task, e.g., guarding an opposing player. Being in the moment, i.e., having the right focus for the task at hand.

Team Building

- getting to know each other so that personalities may blend and compliment each other. Learning to work cooperatively together to accomplish particular goals and objectives.

Goal setting

- setting objectives that one desires to accomplish in a given amount of time. Goals focus attention and block-out distractions. Players should set achievable goals - short range (to be accomplished within 10 days), intermediate (six months), and long-range (1 yr.).

Cognitive restructuring

- getting rid of negative thoughts by using thought stopping techniques. It is not unusual to have a negative thought but intelligent people do not let those thoughts destroy them.
Change negative thoughts to positive statements, e.g., "I can't" to "I can" statements.

Free Performance Enhancement Session

SSI will conduct a free 50 minute performance enhancement session for athletes and/or coaches. Parents and /or girlfriends/boyfriends are welcome. The seession will cover training in relaxation, concentration, imagery, goal setting and cognitive restructuring, i.e., getting rid of negative thoughts. Dr. Straub has extensive experience in working with athletes and coaches at all levels of competition. He has worked for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Adirondack Redwings, and many high school, college/university and Olympic teams. He is USOC certified sport psychologist. In addition, he taught kinesiology (the science of human movement), biomechanics of sport (the application of physics to sport), and sport psychology (the science of the behavior of ahtletes/coaches) for 24 years. He is a former professional athlete who coached (football, basketball, wrestling and baseball) at the high school level for 16 years. Come prepared to talk about your practice and game performances and be ready discuss the psychological aspects of athletic competition. To schedule your appointment, call Dr. Straub at 607-227-0399. Telephone sessions are also available.