Product Description
Social psychology in sport has grown impressively in the last decade, but no single text has addressed all the important topics in the field—until now. Through the contributions of an international group of established scholars and creative young minds, Social Psychology in Sport offers readers a global perspective, a broad base of knowledge, and the latest thinking on topics such as social relationships, communication, coach leadership, team cohesion, motivation and motivational climate, audience effects, and morality.

This text allows readers to gain insight into the interactions and dynamics that affect sport performance and the sport experience for youth and adults. Using the latest research in the field, Social Psychology in Sport• provides a complete and current analysis of the field, exploring the social aspects of interactions, relationships, influences, and perceptions;• addresses a broad range of topics from theoretical, empirical, and applied perspectives;• delves into established areas of interest such as group dynamics and coach–athlete and peer relationships; and • dissects emerging topics such as relational efficacy, passion, and cross-cultural issues.

The book is designed to allow readers to study issues in isolation or as part of a course or a module. The five main parts are Relationships in Sport, Coach Leadership and Group Dynamics, Motivational Climate, Key Social and Cognitive Processes in Sport, and The Athlete in the Wider Sport Environment. Each chapter is cross-referenced and provides a clear description of the topic and a concise theoretical overview along with a discussion of existing research. The chapters also introduce new research ideas, suggest practical research applications, and conclude with summaries and questions to help instructors engage the class in discussion and to help students follow the key points.

By following a progression of theory, research, and application, Social Psychology in Sport offers a framework that other sport psychology books often don’t provide. With this approach, readers can appreciate the historical context of social psychology topics while also studying new, exciting, and developing social psychological questions.

Through the applicable nature of the research, Social Psychology in Sport will fuel more research interest, ensuring that the recent growth in the field continues well into the future. As such, this text should be of great interest to students in upper-undergraduate and graduate courses and to researchers interested in the psychosocial aspects of sport. It is an ideal book for social psychology of sport and physical activity courses as well as courses in the psychology of coaching, sport psychology, and sport sociology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Reads like an overly-cited research paper!
This is one of the worst textbooks I have ever had to read as a Sport Management student. It reads like a research paper. The content is not engaging, the wording is made far too complex for the topic, and rather than using footnotes, the author feels it is necessary to chop up most sentences with parentheses denoting where that particular sentence was found. It feels like the author went through dozens of other works and simply pasted their thoughts together, then cited them. This makes for a very difficult read, and choppy paragraphs. It is also very obnoxious how the author constantly refers to them self in the book ("Here I review sport based research", "Now I will break down this literature" etc.) Again, it gives the "textbook" a research paper feel. I would not recommend this textbook to any professors in the sport management/psychology/sociology field, as it is a painful and dead read for students. ... Read more

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An expert in the field of sport psychology outlines mental strategies that will help riders attain peak performance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to Acheive Peak Performances with a Relaxed Mind
At last a really significant book in the field of sports psychology forriders! Ms.Reilly, a Phd highly regarded in her field, offers copingmethods for riders to deal with the pressures of performance. Reillyexplains the traditional pitfalls that beset competitors and offerstechniques that relax and focus the mind. Exercises are provided to helpriders overcome perfectionism, set realistic goals, design performanceroutines and develop self confidence.Having worked with riders of all agesand abilities, from children to professionals, she draws on her vastexperience and shares the method that she has developed to maximize therider's talents using positive, reinforcing thinking.Reilly shows how acalm mental attitude will produce safer and more effective rides leading topeak performance. Treat yourself to a book that will make competing fun! ... Read more

Product Description

This updated fourth edition of Arnold LeUnes’s textbook has comprehensive coverage of sport psychology with a healthy balance between theory and application. The strong applied approach is emphasized throughout but is essentially apparent in the second half of the book.

The book features a strong pedagogical program including interesting applied vignettes, chapter outlines, emboldened key terms with glossary, very thorough chapter summaries, student-oriented suggested readings, and numerous tables and figures to visually summarize the key concepts. The book’s shorter chapters make it easier to assign one per class.

In addition, a website of supplemental resources, free of charge to qualified adopters, makes this new edition even more accessible and student-friendly.

Product Description
Holds many answers to establishing and maintaining the mental discipline needed for a most grueling and psychologically challenging event. The authors, both experienced, successful athletes and triathlon competitors, summarize current research and offer invaluable mental exercises to improve performance. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Applying emotional intelligence
An excellent introduction to the concept of emotional intelligence and how it can be applied to business, sports, and life. The author's writing style enables the reader to understand how emotional intelligence can be applied and his graphics deepen one's ability to understand the influence of emotional intelligence upon one's behavior. His concept of the importance of an emotional caddy is a breakthrough for applying emotional intelligence. Anyone reading this book will be well satisfied and even inspired to apply the book's message in one's life!

Great little book for anyone
This little book packs a nice, clear punch!

And I'm not complaining that it's a small book. I, for one, am tired of business books by academics and high profile executives that are too long - and yes - too boring.

Now back to this book.

John Haime talks to the reader in his book in a clear, lively tone. His message is clear and simple. The book has some practical solutions that I'll be trying to implement myself. And, I was interested in some of the creative ideas in this book. The emotional spiral and emotional caddie are clever ways to explain emotions and how we all need help to keep them in check to perform at our best. Haime also talks about how our backgrounds relate to how we deal with things today - a simple concept but it rings clear in the book.

While reading this book I also thought how this would benefit young people - young athletes, young business people and young people in general. To see how Haime struggled in his pursuits and came to understand why it happened is a great lesson for others to see.

There isn't much difference in life between "contenders" and "pretenders". I think Mr. Haime has defined the differences well and provided good examples. His spotlight on self-awareness is on target.

I also enjoyed Mr. Haime's "caddie" story throughout the book telling the tale of a caddie in his professional golf days that made a difference in his performance. His point is that we all need emotional support and our "caddie" can help us get to the high performing level.

Very interesting little book. I'll be using the 90 second rule. Highly recommended.

The "secret sauce" to achieving more?
What drives performance?For casual observers of this marketplace, the past few years would seem to indicate one of two key areas:

1) Leadership - how do we develop the leaders of tomorrow as we (hopefully) move beyond the current economic crisis into the unknown reality of tomorrow?

2) Organizational development - how do we structure our great, complex business units to embrace change and move with agility and efficiency in the face of a new economic reality?

While undeniably important, I find the amount of energy and rhetoric expended on these two topics at odds with a far more important, yet seemingly unacknowledged reality for every organization, every company, every team, and every family - they are all made up of individuals.And the ability of the individual person to perform at a high level, regardless of the nature of the task, is what ultimately decides the success of the larger group.

In this book, John Haime clearly and concisely walks the reader through the process of understanding the most basic determining factors for individual success and failure - our ability to recognize and appropriately control our emotions.

As a former professional golfer, Mr. Haime frequently uses the stage of athletic competition as a laboratory to study the context of emotions and performance.We can all think of people who have had seemingly equal talent at first glance, yet one is able to consistently rise to the challenge and deliver at a high level - the "Contender" - while the other can never seem to quite meet the demands of the job as the pressure is dialed up - the "Pretender".Mr. Haime explains the context for these differences.He provides the tools to help us first become self-aware of the unique emotional history - the baggage - that defines our reactions to the world around us.Then, more importantly, he provides tools that will help us on our personal journey to become Contenders.

I did not, however, find this book an easy read.Why?It won't take a long time.It is well written and engaging.It is dense with important lessons and techniques.So why the difficulty?Because it forced me to hold up a mirror to the authentic "Me" that is buried in my own emotional history, and to acknowledge those places where I consistently sabotage my own efforts.

Simply put, You Are a Contender! provides a real and approachable guide to becoming the person you would like to be in your work, in sports, in relationships, in life.

A great read
`You Are A Contender' is a terrific read; Haime uses golf as a vehicle to take us through his approach to, not just self improvement, but how to handle the way we live day to day. There isn't any sport that requires the relentless concentration with an ability to adjust to changing circumstances that rivals the game of golf so it makes a lot of sense for John to use his personal experience in the game. Not only is it a great read it's simple to keep at hand as a ready reference. ... Read more

Product Description

This book offers a student-friendly introduction to the discipline of sport psychology. All the key psychological issues in sport are explored, and difficult questions are raised: are athletes born or made? Does playing sport affect personality? What effect do cultural beliefs have on personal sporting development? 

Matt Jarvis has substantially revised and expanded his original coverage of the subject from the highly successful first edition (Sport Psychology (1999) in the Routledge Modular Psychology series). Here he provides a succinct but comprehensive account of major theory and research in sport psychology, whilst maintaining the readable style and student-centred approach which made the previous book so successful.

Key issues covered include:

• personality and sport
• attitudes to sport
• aggression
• social factors affecting performance
• arousal and anxiety
• motivation and skill acquisition.

There is an emphasis not merely on learning about sport psychology, but also on developing critical and creative thinking. In addition, the book includes chapters on conducting research and writing essays in sport psychology, as well as reflective exercises throughout the text.

Customer Reviews (1)

It is very detailed
As what it says on the description, it is very detailed.For someone who is new to this environment, it is not too easy to read through (I am one of those and taking forever to go to the next page).If you are looking for something like "reading material" this may not be a good choice.It just happened to be a little too hard for me to get through (but I am still trying....) ... Read more

Product Description
Finally! An understandable and practical guide to sports psychology!
Longtime youth sports coach Andrew Caruso has compiled reams of comprehensive research into one well-organized and readable book.

He addresses all the main points of this growing field, including Goal Setting, Assessment, Visualization/Imagery, Simulation, Focus, Cue Words, Flow, Motivation, Arousal and Positive Affirmations.

Includes several outstanding exercises for coaches and players of all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

SP Basics - very god resource
A great introduction to Sports Psychology.I use it as a resource for a high-school class that introduces Sports Psychology to student-athletes. ... Read more

Product Description
Scripture and Sport Psychology: Mental-Game Techniques for the Christian Athlete is the first book to combine principles from the Holy Bible and sport psychology literature into a straightforward and practical guide for improving mental skills and athletic performance.

Author Dr. Derek de la Pena earned a Ph.D. at the University of Florida in 2001 where he served as the mental-game consultant for the NCAA men's golf national champion Florida Gators. He has since dedicated his knowledge and skills as a mental-game and performance consultant to helping athletes of all ages and levels reach their full potential.

Without a strong mental-game, athletes limit their ability to perform optimally. Drawing from enlightening parallels from the Bible and sport psychology research, the author provides effective techniques to enhance the mental fortitude necessary for peak performance. Topics include:

• Building Confidence
• Fueling Purpose and Motivation
• Dealing with Adversity
• Being a Team Player
• Playing in "The Zone"

Scripture and Sport Psychology: Mental-Game Techniques for the Christian Athlete is an invaluable resource of principles and practical ways for athletes of all ages to master the art of effective thinking from a Christian perspective.

Customer Reviews (1)

A great tool for sports and for life
I bought this book for my son -- who is a high school baseball player.I am not an athlete myself but before I gave the book to my son, I decided to read it.I found it to be an extremely pleasurable read, very interesting and I find myself applying the principles at work and in my daily life.On top of that -- my son says the book has really helped him to see certain parts of the game in a new light.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
A personal training guide that helps equestrians of any age, ability, or riding style become physically and mentally fit to ride. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must for every rider!
I find this book to be important on several levels. Not only is it useful in the "off" season, it should be part of the re-rehabilitating riders program, it is also helpful to the beginner rider and finally it can be corrective for a seasoned rider with unsolved issues.

When I first witnessed a Daniel Stewart Clinic, I was injured both mentally and physically. Watching him work with riders of all abilities helped me see that not all was lost and that perhaps there would be an answer for me someday. Daniel re-arranges the students so rapidly that if you blink the eye, you would swear you were watching a different group of riders. It is the power of positive thinking stretched through the body of the rider and through the horse that completes the picture.

I have found his approach helpful in the long winter months when a rider can easily "lose their seat". Get out his prescribed exercise equipment and go to work and you won't have that lag when the weather turns around again!

Using this book and its principles in a daily program is a win/win proposition for the horse and rider. The information is timeless and offers the difference between a beginning and advanced approach to riding.

The best book on riding.
I use this book almost daily...reviewing exercises to help me in my riding.The information is given in a simple, straight-forward manner.This book will help everyone from the beginner to the advanced rider.My trainer even uses this book frequently.I have since bought one for my daughters and they too find it very helpful.

Ride Right and Don't fall off
Great way to learn to ride correctly without being on the horse.The sports psychology parts are fairly standard, but geared towards riders.The exercises and drills apply directly to horsemanship. ... Read more

Product Description
Norwegian Univ. of Sport Science, Oslo, Norway. Covers the fundamental areas of sport psychology. Presents 20 learning experiences and shows how to ask and investigate research questions. Previous edition: c1986. Wire-spiral binding. ... Read more

Product Description
The seventh edition of the Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology once again offers a wealth of information about graduate programs and career opportunities in the very large world of sport psychology. Over the years, the Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology has become the indispensable source for exploring sport psychology graduate programs around the world.

In addition to over 100 master's and doctoral degree programs in the United States, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and South Africa, the Directory

?presents information about internships and career opportunities,
?details online courses and common research tools in the field,
?delineates the requirements for certification and licensure, and
?discusses ethical issues and concerns in sport psychology.

Perhaps most useful are the contact names, numbers, and email addresses for programs and individuals around the world.

As necessary today as ever, the Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology is the ideal resource for individuals interested in pursuing graduate study and a career in sport or exercise psychology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Awesome
This is going to be a great help with my school search! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Buy it for the coaches!!!
A good investment for any parent who is tired of kid's sports coaches who are too rough, or so focused on winning that they forget the real reasons your kids are there - to learn the sport, to develop sportsmanship, to havefun. I'd buy it as a gift (even if you have to give it anonymously!)Another book I'd recommend is Perfect Parenting The Dictionary of 1000Parent Tips by Elizabeth Pantley - it has sections on what to do about kidswho want to quit sports, or those that don't want to practice, or those whoare poor sports. ... Read more

Product Description
Key Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides readers with a volume that examines in depth some of the most important and influential studies in sport and exercise psychology. Extensive examination of such studies has been historically difficult to achieve in general textbooks in the field. Also, students often wish to learn more about a particular article than textbooks offer or teachers provide in classroom settings. Invariably, interested readers are required to search for the original publication from other sources, which can be time-consuming. By bringing together a selection of important readings in sport and exercise psychology, this book fills a major gap in the academic literature. Each of the book’s 23 chapters includes a framework makes the most efficient use of the material originally published. A Background and Context section is initially provided in order to put the study into a theoretical, practical, and historical context. This is followed be an abridged version of the Key Study, itself. A Subsequent Research and Application section concludes each chapter and focuses on research developed since the original study was published, as well as relevant theoretical, methodological, and applied issues. A list of additional readings is provided in each chapter, along with study questions to stimulate readers to think critically about any theoretical, methodological, statistical, and ethical features of the studies. ... Read more

Product Description
Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology provides a preparatory look at the opportunities and goals in the field of sport and exercise psychology. Rather than focus on theory and concepts, this text answers basic questions for newcomers to the field by providing information on what sport and exercise psychology is and what it has to offer. It integrates applied and career information to show the basic principles of the field, contains information on where sport and exercise psychology professionals work, the types of jobs they hold, the services they provide, and the opportunities available to those thinking of entering the field.

Engaging for readers of all levels, this book provides a clear and motivating vision of the future of the field and an update of the various career opportunities available. Throughout the resource, many features bring the practical aspects of sport and exercise psychology to life for those wondering what sport and exercise psychology is all about:

• Success Stories highlight influential practicing sport psychologists and mental training consultants to give readers an idea of how researchers and professionals are applying their knowledge in jobs and the many possible career paths available.
• Psychological Insights pull readers into the text with quirky or surprising "Did you know?" facts.
• Numerous quotes emphasize what sport and exercise psychologists, practitioners, and athletes in the real world have to say about the topic at hand.
• Real-life examples introduce readers to the possibilities ahead and get them excited about where further study can lead.
• The appendixes contain additional resources that students can consult as they continue their career journey and provide tips for applying the principles of sport and exercise psychology in various professions.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology will leave students with a clear understanding of what sport and exercise psychology professionals do and where they work. Just as important, the book will motivate them to continue their exploration of the many rewarding career paths the field has to offer. ... Read more

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Product Description
This book is designed to advance both theory and practice in the psychological preparation of high-level sports performers. The authors integrate the relevant qualitative and quantitative research literatures with practical knowledge gained via their own personal experience of working with elite athletes. Seven aspects of psychological preparation are considered: basic psychological skills; self-confidence; motivation; arousal and activation; stress and anxiety; concentration; and coping with adversity. Each discussion ends with a summary of the implications for future research and best practice. Elite performers from around the world share their techniques for mentally preparing for competition. The authors then explore the links between the practices that these athletes use and theories which underlie psychological preparation for performance. This book develops a model of psychological preparation for elite sports performers incorporating two unique features: the research-to-practice orientation which is taken to preparation for high-level sports performance; and a global perspective using evidence derived from North American, European, Australian and other research literatures in both general and sport psychology. This is the first book of its kind and should be a valuable resource for sport psychologists, students and professionals with an interest in sport or high-level performance. ... Read more

Product Description
Coaching the Mental Game is a bible for coaches who strive to make their athletes the most complete performers possible. Not only a wonderful asset to athletic coaches, this book is a motivational resource for workers in all industries as well as in the game of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Could not put it down
I purchased this book for two male friends who are high level athletic coaches.They both stated that they could not put it down.They also recommended the book to their wives to read.The wives loved it also.I just ordered one for myself.

Best book on this topic
For amateur "weekend warrior" coaches such as myself this is a topic that is far to often barely touched on if talked about at all. Telling kids to concentrate, focus and be mentally tough without teaching it like any other skill is like giving them a bat with no instruction and telling them to hit. Some will pick it up better than others due to their own make-up but all can get much better with a coach teaching them. The mental game can be taught as a skill the same as any physical skill we teach them.

This book is one that has the authentic "been-there-done-that" feel to it. It's well organized with great real world examples and has multiple lists at the end of each topic on how to make our athletes aware of the mental game and how to practice getting better at it.

This is a book you will read and re-read if you're truly interested in being the best coach you can be.It's one of those books where you can just open to any page and pick up a great idea or tip.

Must have
This is the 4th time I bought this book. I have given three away and the last one is worn out. Trying to make the most out of a player's ability is not complete until the mental aspect is addressed and this book helps with that approach. If you coach baseball, you need to have a copy.

Best book on the mental game, period
The most useful book you will find on the mental game, and was very easy to ready. Great organization. A must read for any coach.

Graetest Coaching Book in Existance.
361 Pages Hardcover

ExerptPage 70 Coaching is teaching. The best coaches have something else. They have the good sense to instruct, then get out of the way. They are pedagogues not demagogues.

Table of contents
Section 1 The Coach as leader, Communicator, Teacher
Chapters:
1. Leadership & Power(s)
2. Leadership style
3. You, the leader-the coach
4. The substance of leadership
5. The coach communicates, one way or another
6. Communication: Considering the process Itself
7. Communication: The when, where, how, why-and who!
8. Coaching is teaching.
9. Learners: the Coach and athlete
Section 2 The mental game alphabet: Impact terms for the coach.
Section 3 The mental Game, A to Z: Athletes' impact terms.
Appendix A Leaders list
Appendix B "The guy in the glass"
Appendix C we learn what we've lived
Appendix D A winning way
Appendix E The final word on the mental game ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides a review and discussion of the recent move towards the positive aspects and consequences of competitive anxiety. Following a description of competitive stress-related terminologies, conceptual and psychometric developments are considered including the notion of directional anxiety interpretations. The commentary then focuses on the theories and models that outline the potential positive aspects of anxiety in relation to athletic performance. Applied implications and future research directions are also discussed together with a number of explicatory statements regarding the nature of the precompetitive stress experience in sport. ... Read more

Product Description

The determining factor in whether a child between the ages of six and seventeen enjoys athletics is his or her parents -- not the sport, coach, or team. Yet, parents are often unaware of how their behavior and expectations impact their child's experience.

In 101 Ways to Be a Terrific Sports Parent, Dr. Joel Fish, a sport psychologist who is also the dad of three young athletes, shares both his clinical expertise and practical experience to help parents develop a deeper understanding of the many issues that surround the young athlete. For athletes of all skill levels, from Little League to high school, Dr. Fish discusses how to:

•Help your child reach his or her full athletic potential

•Develop strategies to deal with competitive pressure

•Know if you're too involved or not involved enough

•Interact successfully with your child's coach, and more

With insights into the different developmental and self-esteem issues facing girls and boys, information on parenting a superstar athlete, and special tips for single parents, 101 Ways to Be a Terrific Sports Parent will help any parent make sports a memorable and happy experience for their child. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

If you think you need this book... you do.
The conclusion of this book is the best part, but I found that I needed to read the '101 ways' to really understand it.I suggest you scan the table of contents to see if what leads you to look into this book is addressed, and just buy it if any are even close.If you think you need this book.... you do.Buy it, read it.

Much Needed
This is a much needed book in my opinion.I want to do everything I can to help my child.Also recommended: 'Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Your Nonprofit Corporation' by Ms. Cellaneous, The Unknown Attorney, for a look at kids sports and booster clubs from a legal and protective (of your kids) viewpoint.

Outstanding!
Dr. Fish's book is truly outstanding. This book has brought me and my children closer together and I would highly recommend other parents to read it. My attitude toward my children and their athletics has changed and I have a new outlook on being a positive sports parent.

A Must-Read For All Sports Parents
Every parent with sports-playing kids needs this book!I saw Dr. Fish on The Today show two months ago and I really liked what he had to say about not pushing kids too hard so I got the book. Since then, I've given a copy to two parents on my daughter's soccer team and insisted that my husband (who gets carried away with our son's hockey to read it). This book has validated me in my decision not to allow my daughter to be on the travel team right now. (We have two other kids with activities so the travel has been an issue.) I like how he offers advice on how to help your child and evaluate your child's experience.This is just an overall great guide for parents whether or not there's a problem or issue. ... Read more