Up until about a decade ago, a Sports Psychologist or Consultant was considered a person who athletes went to see only when they had a problem, not someone who healthy and productive athletes and teams spent their time with. Over the past 7 years the amount of sports psychologists throughout the USA has tripled. Most athletes fatigue mentally before they fatigue physically, due to the fact that their mind is not in as good of shape as their bodies.

Sports psychologists help athletes decide on goals, set those goals, and achieving those goals. Sports psychologists also use imagery and visualization and simulation to help achieve perfect concentration.  The so-called athletes ‘zone’ has been well researched and the practice of helping athletes achieve the ‘zone’ is becoming a more and more prevalent in today’s practices.

Characteristic of being in the ‘Zone’

1. Relaxed

The days of getting psyched up to play are over. Research has shown over and over that the best performances occur when you are just slightly above your normal state of arousal, not at the extreme end of the spectrum as once thought. You are energized, yet relaxed it’s a subtle balance of quiet intensity. Your mind is calm and your body is ready to go. You feel relaxed, but you are able to move with great strength and ease.