Initial Presentation

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Building the Mind of a Champion
Presented by Stephen A. Russo,
Ph.D. Clinical Sport Psychologist Former
Director of Sport Psychology International
Junior Golf Academy
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The Psychology of the Young
Athlete
In the United States, an estimated 45 million
children participate in sports. Sport
involvement usually peaks between 10 and 13. For
every 10 children who begin a sport season, 3 to
4 will eventually quit before the end of the
season. Boys and girls have different reasons
for participating in sports, but winning is not
generally a reason given by either for their
initial participation Boys Girls To
have fun To have fun To improve skills To
stay in shape Excitement of competition To get
exercise To do something Im good at To improve
skills To stay in shape To do something Im
good at
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The Psychology of the Young Athlete
Participation in organized sport is not
inherently beneficial a childs experience
depends on the quality of the adult leadership
provided. Research has shown that a coachs
instruction, encouragement, reinforcement, and
responses to mistakes is related to an athletes
level of self-esteem, motivation, and
attitude. Children with low perceptions of their
athletic abilities drop out or do not participate
in sport, whereas children with high perceptions
of their competence tend to participate and
persist. However, training programs have shown
that changing coaching behavior can also result
in lower player-dropout rates (5 vs.
26). Sports can help reduce delinquency and
deviant behavior while also serving as a
deterrent for gang behavior, but only when adults
clearly emphasize the importance of concepts such
as confidence, respect, self-control, fitness,
and responsibility.
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The Psychology of the Young Athlete

• Factors Associated with Burnout Withdrawal
• Failure to Learn New Skills
• Very High Expectations (Self Other-Imposed)
• Lack of Fun
• Win-At-All-Costs Attitude
• Lack of Affiliation
• Parental Pressure
• Lack of Thrills or Excitement
• Long Repetitive Practices with Little Variety
• Lack of Exercise and Fitness
• Inconsistent Coaching Practices
• No Challenge
• Overuse Injuries from Excessive Practice
• Repeated Failure
• Excessive Time Travel Demands
• Love from Others Displayed on the Basis of
  Winning Losing
• Perfectionism

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Coaching for Excellence Seven Secrets of
Successful Coaches Dale Janssen
EFFECTIVE COACHES Consistently get the most
out of their players! Their players -
volunteer their loyalty dedication - believe
in the coachs goals training method -
allow the coach to take them to the next
level THESE COACHES ARE WILLINGLY FOLLOWED
BECAUSE THEIR ATHLETES BELIEVE IN
THEM!!! CREDIBIITY IS THE KEY!! EFFECTIVE
COACHES DEFINED TRUE SUCCESS AS WINNING IN WAYS
THAT EARNED THE RESPECT AND TRUST OF THEIR
ATHLETES.
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Coaching for Excellence Seven Secrets of
Successful Coaches Dale Janssen

• CREDIBILITY IS EARNED!!
• CREDIBLE COACHES EARN RESPECT OVER TIME BY
  BUILDING SOLID RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR
  ATHLETES.
• RESPECT IS GAINED BY TREATING ATHLETES WITH
  HONESTY DIGNITY.
• GREAT COACHES CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE
  ATHLETES FEEL VALUED, APPRECIATED, CHALLENGED,
  AND COMPETENT.
• CREDIBILITY IS FRAGILE IT TAKES TIME TO BUILD
  AND CAN BE DESTROYED IN AN INSTANT!
• RESPECT IS NOT THE SAME AS HAVING ATHLETES LIKE
  YOU!!
• GETTING EVERYONE TO LIKE YOU IS IMPOSSIBLE!
• GREAT COACHES MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE BEST FOR
  EVERYONE OR BEST FOR THE TEAM.

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Coaching for Excellence
Coaching
Ability
Motivation
Confidence
Peak Performance
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The Three Stages of Performance
Stage 1 Preparation Planning
Stage 2 Performance
Stage 3 Evaluation
CHAMPIONS APPROACH ALL OF THE STAGES WITH
ENTHUSIASM AND INTENSITY!!!
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What is The Champion's Mindset in Practice?

• In practice, successful athletes also do these
  things better than their peers
• Practice Longer and Are More Personally
  Invested in Improvement
• Bring More Effort, Motivation, and
  Concentration to Practice
• Connect Their Long-Term Goals with Their
  Daily Practice Habits
• Use Practice to Improve
  Self-Confidence
• IN OTHER WORDS, YOUR PRACTICE ATITUDE IS JUST
  AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR GAME-DAY
  ATTITUDE!!

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What is The Champion's Mindset in
Competition?

• Successful athletes do these things better than
  unsuccessful athletes
• Are More Determined Committed
• Are More Confident
• Have More Positive Thoughts Images
• Control Their Nerves and Emotions
• Have Better Concentration and Focus
• Focus on Playing, Not Results
• ALL OF THESE SKILLS CAN BE LEARNED!!

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Using Goal Setting Exercises Properly!

• Setting goals is one of the easiest ways to
  improve athletic preparation and performance
• WHEN USED CORRECTLY, GOALS
• Add Purpose and Direction To Actions
• Give You Instant Feedback
• Provide Clear Challenges
• Keep Athletes Motivated and
  Committed To Training

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Understanding Process and Outcome Goals

• OUTCOME GOALS
• Focus Only On The End Result!
• SCORE / MAKING THE CUT
• HITTING PERFECT SHOTS
• WINNING LOSING
• COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
• THESE GOALS ARE HARDER TO ACHIEVE!!
• You Cant Control Results
• They Increase Pressure and Emotion
• They Can Make Easy Tasks Harder
• When Outcome-Focused, Athletes Tend to Forget
  About Shot Execution

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Understanding Process and Outcome Goals

• PERFORMANCE OR PROCESS GOALS
• Focus On How To Play Well!
• CONTROLLNG MY EMOTIONS
• HITTING MORE GREENS AND FAIRWAYS
• USING MY PRE-SHOT ROUTINE
• GIVING MY BEST EFFORT
• THESE GOALS ARE EASIER TO ACHIEVE!!
• You Have More Control
• They Reduce Pressure and Emotion
• They Make Hard Tasks Easier
• They Are Independent of Results, But Help You
  Get Closer To Them

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Use Goals Carefully to Maximize Benefits!

• Here are some other ways to make your goals more
  effective
• Set Short-Term Goals
• Set Long-Term Goals
• Write Goals Down
• Tell Other People
• Focus On Plan, Not Results
• Routinely Check Progress
• Add/Adjust Goals Regularly

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Coaching for Excellence The Dos and Donts of
Motivating Athletes
WHAT IS BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION? The use of
rewards and punishment that increase or decrease
the likelihood of a similar response occurring
in the future. REINFORCEMENT If an
action/activity results in a good consequence
(reward), people tend to try to repeat the
behavior to receive additional rewards. PUNISHME
NT If an action/activity results in an
unpleasant consequence (being punished),
people tend not to repeat the behavior to
avoid additional negative consequences. REINFORC
EMENT PUNISHMENT ARE COMPLEX People react
differently to the same reinforcement or
punishment. People are sometimes unable to
repeat desirable behaviors. People receive
different reinforcement in different situations
(from different people).
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Coaching for Excellence The Dos and Donts of
Motivating Athletes
USING BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION TO CHANGE
BEHAVIOR POSITIVE APPROACH Focuses on
rewarding appropriate behavior, which increases
the likelihood of desirable responses
occurring in the future. NEGATIVE
APPROACH Focuses on punishing undesirable
behaviors, which should lead to
future redirection of these inappropriate
behaviors. MOST COACHES OR INSTRUCTORS COMBINE
POSITIVE NEGATIVE APPROACHES. SPORT
PSYCHOLOGISTS SUGGEST THAT THE BEST APPROACH WITH
ATHLETES SHOULD BE MOSTLY POSITIVE (80-90)
BECAUSE THE NEGATIVE APPROACH OFTEN INSTILLS
FEAR.
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Coaching for Excellence The Dos and Donts of
Motivating Athletes
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT First, choose an
effective reinforcement strategy EDIBLE
REINFORCERS food, candy, etc. SOCIAL
REINFORCERS praise, smiles, publicity within
and outside team MATERIAL REINFORCERS
trophies, medals, t-shirts ACTIVITY REINFORCERS
playing games, getting a day off, doing
drills SPECIAL OUTINGS movies, having team
functions or parties Next, chose an appropriate
reinforcement schedule. CONTINUOUS
REINFORCEMENT (after every correct execution) is
better early in the season or when learning new
skills. INTERMITTENT REINFORCEMENT (after
correct executions, but at a reduced rate or
after a longer period of time) is best once a
skill is learned.
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Coaching for Excellence The Dos and Donts of
Motivating Athletes
THE KEYS OF BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION!! When using
rewards or punishment to change behavior BE
CONSISTENT Across days, groups and
individuals. FOCUS ON Connect consequences with
the BEHAVIOR behavior or actions of the
individual or team. BE CREDIBLE Mean what
you say, dont make idle threats, and always
follow through with your rewards, promises,
punishments, and consequences.
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What is The Champion's Mindset in
Competition?

• Successful athletes do these things better than
  unsuccessful athletes
• Are More Determined Committed
• Are More Confident
• Have More Positive Thoughts Images
• Control Their Nerves and Emotions
• Have Better Concentration and Focus
• Focus on Playing, Not Results
• ALL OF THESE SKILLS CAN BE LEARNED!!

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Emotions Performance
All Sports Require Physical and Emotional Energy!!
Low Energy/Intensity Sports
High Energy/Intensity Sports

• Managing your emotions is crucial under pressure
  because
• Competitive situations can cause strong emotional
  reactions.
• Adrenalin-based energy can be used positively or
  negatively.
• Emotional State Physical Energy Psychological
  Energy

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Understanding Energy Levels
Changing your goals, expectations, and thought
patterns can dramatically affect your reaction to
stressful situations.
STRESS!
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Why Your Emotions Influence Your Play

• Adrenalin Effects Muscles
• Normal coordination is off
• Movements no longer automatic
• Pace, tempo, and rhythm increases
• Adrenalin Effects Concentration
• Thoughts race and become negative
• Distracted by irrelevant information
• You interpret information differently
• Get tunnel vision
• Get locked onto visual cues

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Where is Your Energy Level?

• Too Much Energy
• Butterflies in Stomach or Feeling Ill
• Sweating or Cold, Clammy Hands
• Arms/Legs Feeling Stiff or Heavy
• Headaches and Muscle Tension
• Doubt, Negativity and Worry
• Rushing or Forgetfulness
• Cotton (Dry) Mouth

• Not Enough Energy
• Lack of Strength
• Yawning or Feeling Sleepy
• Moving Slow or Feeling Sluggish
• No Enthusiasm or Desire to Play
• Mind Wandering or Easily Distracted
• No Care or Concern for Performance

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Learn to Control Your Energy Level

• Know What Your Ideal Energy Level Is
• Check energy levels BEFORE competition and give
  yourself time to adjust.
• Be PROACTIVE in handling your emotions.
• Control Your Thoughts and Images
• Take ACTIVE control of your mind
• Recognize the benefits of adrenalin and get
  comfortable being uncomfortable.
• Control Your Physical Energy
• Know how you specifically react to stress so you
  can PLAN and PRACTICE your response.
• Practice breathing exercises and calming
  techniques.
• Use exercise and stretches to burn off energy.
• Use strategies in practice to avoid difficulties
  in competition.

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What is The Champion's Mindset in
Competition?

• Successful athletes do these things better than
  unsuccessful athletes
• Are More Determined Committed
• Are More Confident
• Have More Positive Thoughts Images
• Control Their Nerves and Emotions
• Have Better Concentration and Focus
• Focus on Playing, Not Results
• ALL OF THESE SKILLS CAN BE LEARNED!!

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Concentration Attention

• Controlling Attention is Crucial for Peak
  Performance!!
• Champions do 2 things better than everyone else
• 1. They BLOCK OUT things they cant control
• Opponents/Distractions
• Fear/Worry
• Thoughts of Score and/or the Result
• 2. They TUNE IN to what is important for them
• Conditions, Shot Options, Targets
• Using a Pre-Shot Routine to Focus Attention when
  Playing a Shot
• Controlling their Mind until the Round is Over
• CHAMPIONS KNOW WHEN AND WHERE
• TO FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION!

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Basic Types of Concentration By Robert Nideffer
Concentration can take many forms. First,
recognize the difference between a thinking and
a doing mindset.
Doing Paying Attention or Reacting To Things
Going On Around You
Thinking Concentration is Directed Internally
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Concentration in Different Sports
ATHLETES PLAY BEST WITH AN DOING MINDSET GOLF
IS A TARGET GAME.
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Routines for Performance!
Using Routines and Rituals Can Help Keep
You in an Optimal Performance Mindset!
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Routines for Performance
A good PRE-SHOT routine, begins AFTER you make a
decision and should ELIMINATE thoughts until the
shot is away.
SHOT ANALYSIS Strategy Selection Shot/Club
Selection Target Selection (REQUIRES 100
COMMITMENT)
ROUTINE
SHOT EXECUTION Absence of Thought Focus on Target
and Tempo Ball Struck with More Feel (FEEL THE
SWING, TAKE THE SHOT)
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Routines for Performance
A good POST-SHOT routine starts AFTER the shot is
away. When used well, it helps you move past
previous shots/holes and bring a focused approach
to the next shot.
ACKNOWLEDGE ACCEPT Describe Results Avoid
Judgment (AFTER 3060 SECONDS, MOVE ON)
ROUTINE
EXAMINE, EXCHANGE, EXECUTE Look for Patterns
in Play Adjust PreShot Routine, But ONLY if
Needed Improve Strategy, Aim, and Trust on Next
Shot (FIX SHOT EXECUTION, NOT SWING)
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Routines for Performance
Combined with other mental strategies, PRESHOT
and POSTSHOT routines help you consistently
execute shots throughout the golf performance
cycle.
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Tips To Control Focus

• Understand the Concentration Challenge of Golf
• Use energy wisely concentrate only on the
  things directly related to your performance and
  recognize the situations that demand your full
  attention.
• Adopt a DOING mindset by fully committing to the
  decisions you make.
• Play golf in 3060 second intervals until the
  round is complete. For example, if you used a
  30second preshot routine
• Posting a score of 90 takes 45 minutes of
  concentration
• Posting a score of 80 takes 40 minutes of
  concentration
• Posting a score of 72 takes 36 minutes of
  concentration
• Posting a score of 65 takes 33 minutes of
  concentration
• Control Your Eyes and Yourself
• Instead of worrying about potential hazards,
  identify specific targets and LOCK onto them when
  you play.
• Stay in the present and view every shot as a new
  challenge.
• Dont let results, conditions, or emotions change
  your attitude or approach.

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Tips To Control Focus

• Recognize Attention Demands
• Competition is an attention BATTLE between focal
  points and the distractions that exist
  everywhere.
• Lapses in concentration include
• Paying too much attention to your score, your
  mechanics, or your opponents.
• Failing to take control of your thoughts or stay
  in the present.
• Allowing adversity or missed shots to effect your
  emotions or distract you from the current shot.
• Failure to identify clear, specific targets.
• Improve Your Concentration Capacity
• Cardiovascular training and improved aerobic
  conditioning has been shown to improve memory and
  concentration.
• Having a clear gameplan or course strategy
  BEFORE the round allows you to focus better
  DURING competition.
• Use PREGAME, PRESHOT, and POST SHOT routines
  to structure your time, focus your mental energy,
  and guide your attention under pressure.

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What is The Champion's Mindset in
Competition?

• Successful athletes do these things better than
  unsuccessful athletes
• Are More Determined Committed
• Are More Confident
• Have More Positive Thoughts Images
• Control Their Nerves and Emotions
• Have Better Concentration and Focus
• Focus on Playing, Not Results
• ALL OF THESE SKILLS CAN BE LEARNED!!

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Why Mental Training?

• Its the systematic and consistent
• PRACTICE of mental techniques!
• MENTAL TRAINING IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
• Success / Failure Physical Skills Mental
  Skills
• Your attitude can cause changes in your
  day-to-day performances.
• The mind matters MORE when ability is equal.
• LEARNING TO CONTROL YOUR
• MIND WILL MAKE YOU MORE
• CONSISTENT AND MORE
• SUCCESSFUL UNDER PRESSURE!

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The Three Stages of Performance
Stage 1 Preparation Planning
Stage 2 Performance
Stage 3 Evaluation
CHAMPIONS APPROACH ALL OF THE STAGES WITH
ENTHUSIASM AND INTENSITY!!!
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The Three Stages of Performance
Challenges of Stage 3 Doing an HONEST
Evaluation Not Blaming Others or Making
Excuses Accepting Responsibility for the
Results Staying Positive for Future
Events Identifying Areas for Improvement
Strategies You Need to Get There Return to
Stage 1 with Renewed Commitment and
Determination!!!
Stage 3 Evaluation
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Conducting a Positive Evaluation

• Positive evaluation consists of asking yourself
  three basic questions
• WHAT DID I DO WELL?
• BASED ON THE RESULTS, WHERE DO I NEED TO
  IMPROVE?
• Preparation
• Fitness or Conditioning
• GamePlan or Strategy
• Physical or Technical Training
• Mental Skills or Approach
• HOW CAN I CHANGE MY TRAINING REGIMEN OR
  PRACTICE HABITS TO IMPROVE?

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Coaching for Excellence

• FINAL THOUGHTS ON CREATING CHAMPIONS
• Adults can play either a highly positive or
  highly negative role in sports!
• Coaches and parents need to keep winning in
  perspective by helping children set realistic
  performance goals and remain involved in sports
  long enough to understand the lessons that sports
  teach.
• In addition to training athletes physically,
  adults need to discuss the concepts of
  sportsmanship, moral dilemmas, responsibility,
  and proper decision making.
• When children express interest in competition
  and/or demonstrate their ability to withstand the
  pressure of competition, begin teaching the
  characteristics of a CHAMPIONSHIP MINDSET.
• Ultimately, adults should seek to create an
  enthusiastic environment that reduces the fear of
  taking risks or trying new skills and, when
  mistakes are made, teaches resiliency by
  maintaining a positive approach.

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Coaching for Excellence

• FINAL THOUGHTS ON CREATING CHAMPIONS
• Coaches must seem credible BEFORE they are
  followed, so coaches must take the lead! They
  must be the first to extend respect, loyalty, and
  trust to their athletes before expecting athletes
  will respond.
• Coaches and parents must model appropriate
  behavior to be respected when they
  reinforce/encourage appropriate behavior and
  penalize/discourage bad choices, minimal effort,
  or dishonorable acts.
• Explaining decisions and the relevancy of
  practice drills, showing common courtesy, and
  being consistent in with your stars and
  average players helps to demonstrate
  credibility!
• Being a credible coach isnt something you do
  its something you are!
• All coaches can benefit from having a 3-person
  support team
• - A friend who knows you well.
• - A fellow coach (preferably a mentor or peer).
• - Someone objective who has knowledge about
  performance.

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Coaching for Excellence

• FINAL THOUGHTS ON CREATING CHAMPIONS
• Remember the power of non-verbal communication,
  be aware what you are saying with your
  actions body-language, and ask yourself if
  your actions contradict or confirm your words?
• Be yourself! Find a communication style that
  best fits your personality and values. And, dont
  copy other coaches simply because theyre
  successful.
• If you feel the need to incorporate the practices
  and ideas of others, make sure you adapt them to
  fit into your system (not the other way around).
• Hold yourself as well as your athletes
  accountable!
• There is very little difference in the
  technical knowledge about the game of basketball
  among most experienced coaches. However, there
  is a vast difference between leaders in their
  ability to teach and motivate those under their
  supervision. You must have the more elusive
  ability to teach and to motivate. This defines a
  leader if you cant teach and you cant
  motivate, you cant lead.
• John Wooden, Former UCLA Mens Basketball Coach

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Thank You
Stephen A. Russo, Ph.D. Clinical and Sport
Psychologist Philadelphia Eastern Pennsylvania,
USA E-Mail SAR_at_drsteverusso.com Phone (843)
298-3227
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• REFERENCES RECOMMENDED READING
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  New York Harper Row.
• Janssen, J. Dale, G. (2000). The seven secrets
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  unleash your teams potential. Cary, NC Janssen
  Peak Performance, Inc.
• Leadbetter, D. Simmons, R. (1997). David
  Leadbetters positive practice.
  New York Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.
  
• Marriott, L. Nilsson, P. (2003). Golf parent
  for the future. Phoenix, AZ Coaching
  for The Future.
• Orlick, T. (2000). In pursuit of excellence
  (third edition). Champaign, IL Human Kinetics.
• Rotella, R. J. (2001). Putting out of your mind.
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• Seligman, M. E. P. (1998). Learned optimism How
  to change your mind and your life. New
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• Weinberg, R. S., Gould, D. (Eds. 2003).
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  (third edition). Champaign, IL Human Kinetics.
• Wooden, J. R. Jamison, S. (1997). Wooden A
  lifetime of reflections on and off the basketball
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