Suzie Tuffy-Riewald, Ph.D. posted an article for the U.S. Olympic program:
… All coaches and athletes understand the importance of training the mental aspect of performance. The mind can have a positive (or negative) influence on how athletes perform. However while many coaches recognize the importance of a strong mental game, they may not be comfortable with teaching mental skills. One remedy for this situation may be to have a sport psychologist develop and implement a psychological skills training program. Unfortunately, few programs/coaches have access to sport psychologists; therefore, coaches must take responsibility for physically, technically and psychologically preparing their athletes.
You don’t have to be a psychologist to set up a psychological skills training program. First, it is not necessary (or realistic) for the program to be comprehensive.
Second, with just a little planning, you can combine basic mental training principles and techniques into daily practice sessions. When the coach stresses the importance of mental training, it may be more effective than when mental training is a separate component of practice, delivered by an outside consultant. …
… read the rest of this article on the US Olympic Coaching Newsletter – MAKE MENTAL TRAINING PART OF PHYSICAL TRAINING
original – flickr – www.jugendsport-foto.de
Gymnasts are thinking of “something” while they train. While they compete.
Good coaching is helping athletes find the right things to think about. At the right time.
Every gymnast is different. Coaching mental training is more of an art, than a science.
Coach – David Brubaker
See more articles like this one linked from the Fall 2008 edition of the USOC Olympic Coach E-Magazine.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 