ASEP Silver Level series preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
pt. I. Creating a solid foundation
1. Coaching philosophy
Developing a positive coaching philosophy
Understanding competition and using it constructively
2. Communication
What is communication?
Sending effective messages
Attentive listening
Conflicts and confrontations
3. Introduction to mental skills training
Psychological factors and performance excellence
Does MST work?
The MST approach
Roadblocks and myths surrounding MST
Developing MST
pt. II. Developing mental training tools
4. Goal setting
What are goals and why use them?
Characteristics of effective goals
Making goals work : the goal implementation process
Developing athletes' goal-setting skills
5. Imagery
What is imagery?
Factors influencing the effectiveness of imagery
Using imagery effectively
Developing an imagery training program
6. Relaxation and energization
What is relaxation?
Relaxation strategies
What is energization?
Energization strategies
Developing athletes' relaxation and energization skills
7. Self-talk
What is self-talk?
How self-talk works
Positive versus negative thinking
Optimizing self-talk
Developing athletes' smart-talk skills
pt. III. Enhancing mental skills
8. Motivation
What is motivation?
Athletes' needs and intrinsic motivation
Impact of rewards
Handling success and failure
Creating a mastery-oriented motivational atmosphere
9. Energy management
Understanding energy management
How does arousal affect performance?
Why underarousal and overarousal impair performance
Determining optimal energy zones
Mental side of arousal
Developing athletes' energy management skills
10. Attention
Understanding attention
Attentional capacity
Selective attention
Sustaining focus : concentration
Implementing an attentional skills program
11. Stress management
Understanding stress
Stress management
Developing athletes' stress management skills
12. Self-confidence
Understanding self-confidence
Conceptualizing self-confidence
Boosting self-confidence
Developing team confidence
Developing and maintaining self-confidence during competition
Self-fulfilling prophecy : confidence booster or deflator?
Developing athletes' self-confidence
Final thoughts : developing ultimate confidence
pt. IV. Integrating mental training tools and skills
13. Mental plans
Understanding mental plans
Types of mental plans
Role of triggers, releases, and cue words
Developing mental plans
Developing athletes' mental toughness skills
14. Mental skills training programs
Getting started
Components of effective MST programs
Implementing a basic MST program
Appendix A. Answers to review questions
Appendix B. Relaxation and energization scripts
Appendix C. Test of performance strategies
Glossary
References and resources
Index
About the authors.