Sports Psychology Has an Evidence Problem

Of course every coach uses methods from sport psychology to improve ultimate performances.

But we don’t really know how or why methodology works: self-talk, mental focus, attention, etc.

The brain is complex. Each athlete is different from the next.

A mental training plan for one might well be quite difficult for the teammate training beside them.

Sports Psychology Has an Evidence Problem

The benefits of training your mental skills are, by definition, all in your head. So how do we prove that it works?

Hardy Fink – Lifetime Achievement Award

I can’t think of any other person in Gymnastics history who’s done as much for the sport.

World Acrobatic Society did a nice job trying to sum up his career in their Lifetime Achievement Awards VIDEO.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

how HIGH can you GAINER?

I’ve seen Gainer contests for distance go badly wrong.

#BurnedNose

Going for height looks only barely safer.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

training Arabian Double Layout

FIRST — don’t train this skill until your 1/1 twisting Double Layout is consistent.  Otherwise there is a risk you’ll make the twist too early. 

But if that’s not a problem, I love this skill.  Especially when straight or slightly arched.   It’s very difficult to land, of course. 

Many gymnasts can do it from Tumbling Trampoline.  Very few from competition Floor. 

Click PLAY or watch some examples on YouTube.

incredible Acrobatic physical ability

This young girl is from Ukraine.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.