A career in sports psychology is the perfect way for the person who has an interest in sports to combine that interest with a professional career in psychology. Sports psychologists are trained to use psychological skills to help athletes excel in their sports careers. It is a specialized discipline that draws upon psychology as well as other disciplines such as biomechanics, physiology, kinesiology, and medicine to help athletes maintain optimal performance and adjustment.
Although improvement in performance is an important aspect in the sports community, it is not the only component of an athlete’s well-being that sports psychologists focus on. Other areas include the overall psychological and physical wellbeing of athletes, dealing with the systematic issues that are prevalent in sports organizations, and shaping the developmental and social impact that sports participation has on athletes.
What Does a Sports Psychologist Do?
Sports psychologists help both professional and amateur athletes in many capacities. Here is an outline of the various functions that sports psychologists provide during the course of their careers:
Athlete Performance: Olympians and other professional athletes frequently engage in mental strategies to improve performance. Sports psychologists can train athletes on every level how to use techniques such as visualization, self-talk, mental rehearsals, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques to enhance their performance. These techniques help athletes to overcome problems, improve focus, reduce anxiety, and expand their potential.
Conflict Resolution: Sometimes athletes struggle with controlling their tempers or communicating effectively with team mates, coaches, and the press. Sports psychologists can help them develop more effective communication and anger management skills.
Coping skills: Sports psychologists help athletes learn how to better handle the pressures of competition. The pressure from parents, coaches, fans, team mates, and even their own personal expectations can create a lot of tension and anxiety among players. An expert will be able to help them learn better coping techniques.
Motivation: Athletes may sometimes struggle with adhering to routines. Alternatively, they may become discouraged when they fail to meet a goal that was established. A sports psychologist can help athletes keep their motivation high so that they can keep making progress
Source: www.psychologyschoolguide.net
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Having a Psychology degree would be a requirement for a career in sports psychology. Thanks for 82asking.
You might get by with a master's degree, but much of your competition will probably have Ph.D.s and will be more likely to get the job.