In the early 1990>s Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi published Flow (in 2008 republished with a few updates). It is a worthwhile read that highlights the psychology of optimal performance, creativity, and happiness. The book has achieved world renown, but it seems like too often the wisdom taken from it is, >Flow is a really cool place to be. Flow is blissful and wonderful, let>s focus on being there all the...

Dr. Naylor talks about how to maintain focus on the tennis court. He gives certain tips on how to play in the present and on a point by point basis. Tips range from perspective to subtle body cues players can employ to condition themselves to focus on the present task at hand. About Dr. Naylor Dr. Naylor leads the Boston University Athletic Enhancement Center (www.bu.edu/aec). ...

So often we are driven by weights or times and in the process don't focus on the goal or action we need to achieve. Is the goal to lift 300lbs or is it to get more explosive power from your heels? Asking yourself this question really opens up the opportunity to not only change training routines but also to gain better results. About Dr. Naylor Dr. Naylor leads the...

Dr. Naylor speaks about incorporating a balanced and common sensical approach to endurance training for events like a marathon or a triathlon. The too oft mistake of breaking the body down is counter to a healthy and competitive strategy to perform your best in your respective event. We have all seen this and many of us are guilty of being unbalanced in our desire to tack on mileage incessantly. ...

Dr. Naylor speaks about how to balance aggression on the playing field and how to recognize the symptoms of being too aggressive versus not being competitive. Balanced aggression or a "calm mind with a sharp body" is relevant not only to game day but also to how people train leading up to game day. About Dr. Naylor Dr. Naylor leads the Boston University Athletic...

M.C. (Mental Coach) Cuccaro sent me the following video the other day. While it is not new science (and makes perhaps claims a dubious cause and effect relationship once or twice > i.e. good story, bad science), it certainly highlights some basic, critical principles of player development that are too often overlooked. Periodization Training: Play Longer Understanding these ideas takes one from being...

While attending the 2009 Boston Hockey Summit the name of an important influence in my professional career was mentioned. Coach Boyle commented thatPeter Friesen, strength and conditioning coach for the Carolina Hurricanes, was in town for a game and might be dropping by the conference. The impact of a strength coach on a sport psychology guy can be unclear at best, but in 2000 Coach Friesen recruited...

It is a psychological reality that self monitoring enhances learning and ultimately enhances performance on the playing field. This process of performance improvement is grounded by well set goals and continued through periodic thoughtful reflections. >Thoughtful reflection> can take many forms. It ranges from Curt Shilling>s in depth journaling during and after games throughout his career to regular...

Upon reading >Seeing Red Might Just Ramp Up Your Game,> I was reminded of some thoughts from Cal Botteril at the first sport psychology conference I ever attended, >Successful performance is about >emotional management,> not >emotional control.>> This might seem like a subtle play on words, but words can be powerful. >Control> speaks to confinement rather than allowing the liberated play that...