By Dr. John F. Murray Sports psychology for young athletes isn’t about “fixing” a problem. It’s about building mental skills like focus, confidence, and resilience that are every bit as important as physical training. Think of it as developing a ‘mental muscle’—one that helps your child perform under pressure, bounce back from tough losses, and ultimately, find more joy and fulfillment in their sport.… Read the rest
I conducted my doctoral dissertation at the University of Florida on The psychology of sport injury. It is all about what happens in an athlete’s head after their body takes a hit. It’s the recognition that the unseen wound—the shock, the grief, the sudden loss of identity—can be just as painful and debilitating as any torn ligament or broken bone.… Read the rest
Here’s a truth every serious athlete knows: stress management techniques are skills you build, not talents you’re born with. Mastering these mental tools directly improves your focus, builds resilience, and pays off big time in your performance. It’s about learning to control your mind and body under pressure, turning what could be a roadblock into a real competitive advantage.… Read the rest