Competitive athletes need to be on top of their game at all times, mentally as well as physically. A single lapse in concentration can mean the difference between winning and losing. It is the job of sport psychology consultants to ensure that athletes are mentally prepared for competition.
Sport psychology consultants, or sport psychologists, teach athletes mental techniques to help them improve their performance. These techniques may focus on an athlete’s motivation, confidence, concentration, attitude, or goals. Consultants also help athletes cope with nerves and pressure.
For example, a consultant might teach a swimmer who is experiencing a lack of confidence to set realistic performance goals. As the swimmer reaches each of these goals, his or her confidence will improve. Similarly, a consultant might provide a nervous skier with relaxation techniques.
In many cases consultants’ clients are athletes who are experiencing a particular problem, such as an inability to concentrate during important games. However, consultants also counsel athletes who are not experiencing any problems with performance. They help these athletes to maintain a high level of mental fitness throughout their careers, to ensure that problems such as a lack of concentration do not develop. They may also help athletes prepare for a major competition, such as the Olympic Games.
Although consultants usually work on a one-on-one basis with clients, they occasionally work with groups of athletes. For example, a consultant may work with an entire team of basketball players to improve the team’s unity.
Sport psychology consultants also help athletes with areas of their career unrelated to performance. For example, they may help an athlete make the mental adjustments necessary to cope with coming back from an injury. In addition, some consultants help retiring athletes make the transition from sports to the “real world.”
Many people in this field work in academia (for example, as professors or department heads). These professionals teach students, conduct research into sport psychology, and publish their work in academic journals.
NOC Code: 4151