Federer, A Case In Point… Set & Match

article posted: 70 days ago

It’s obvious Roger Federer is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, tennis place to ever step on the court. With 15 grand slam titles and the record for the longest consecutive number one ranking under his belt, it’s clear he knows what it takes to win.

However, what’s not as obvious is that it wasn’t always clear Federer was going to be this good. As described in a recent NY Times article, the young player was very emotional and easily upset, and there was some serious questions as to whether he’d ever get it together enough to express his considerable potential. The article explains that it was only with maturity and the help of a sport psychologist that Federer has been able to master his emotional demons.

One of my operating principles to enhancing performance is that either you “use” what is in front of you or it may “use you.” Federer provides a good example of someone who used his sensitivity, emotional liability, motivation, intelligence… and some effective mental coaching, to transform himself into the focused, mentally tough superstar we see today. It’s a pleasure to watch him perform.

Dr. Saul Miller is the author of Hockey Tough and Why Teams Win. His up coming book, Performing Under Pressure, is scheduled to be published by Wiley in the fall. 

Sports Psychology Getting Its Due

article posted: 116 days ago

An recent article in the NY Times highlights the importance of emotional control and relaxation for optimal elite performance. It's great that sport psychology is getting so much press these days, however, this is hardly news. For years, competitors, coaches, parents, and sport psychologists have known that emotional control is key to preventing the mind from getting in the way of the body. When we are at our best, mind and body flow together and there is an absence of emotional static. Some elite performers learn to manage emotions through their competitive experience. Others seek out experts like sport psychologists. We live and operate in a high pressure, bottom line society. Learning how to balance and integrate are important skill sets that can certainly be enhanced with training.

Dr. Miller's book, Performing Under Pressure, published by Wiley will be released in December, 2009.

Drawing the Line on Celebrations

article posted: 122 days ago

I came across an interesting piece in USA Today about celebrations in sport. It seems players celebrating during the game are increasingly becoming a topic of discussion and concern. The way I see it, sport is entertainment. Celebrations that are spontaneous expressions of joy and excitement are very much a part of the game. However, when the celebrations are self-centered, ("Look how great I am!") or rehearsed, when they put down the opposition or contain props, they have no place in sport and should be penalized.

 

Dr. Saul Miller is the author of Hockey Tough and Why Teams Win. His up coming book, Performing Under Pressure, is scheduled to be published by Wiley in the fall.