http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog WINNING isn't everything. But losing all the time is a REAL BUMMER Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:12:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en As a sport psychologist, I am asked a wide variety of questions. Many athletes, parents and coaches want to know about what is the best way to get motivated, how can you improve your concentration and what are some of the important characteristics of a successful team. Usually, one component ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/leadership-and-sports/ The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China showcased athletes from all over the world at their best. As always, spectacular performances occurred in a variety of sports. As I discussed in last month's article, we had the opportunity to watch Michael Phelps put on one of the greatest performances not ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/cheating-and-the-olympics/ As the first week of the Beijing Olympics came to a conclusion, it became more obvious to me than ever about the importance of mental preparation. In my opinion, Michael Phelps performance was perhaps the single most amazing athletic feat in modern history. Phelps won an incredible eight gold medals. ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/mental-tenacity-and-olympic-champions/ I recently spent two days working with 80 high school basketball players who were participating in the MidAmerica Baskeball Academy camp at Benedictine College. This camp gives these young men the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills in front of numerous college coaches as they continue their quest to attempt to ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/building-self-confidence/ CAN YOU GUARANTEE A VICTORY? On Saturday, June 7, 2008, the sport of horse racing was set to watch the running of the Belmont Stakes with the hope that favorite, Big Brown, would become horse racing's 12th Triple Crown winner. Big Brown was the overwhelming favorite to win the race and ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/can-you-guarantee-a-victory/ It happens to all of us. It doesn't matter if you play tennis, golf or football. It doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman. It doesn't matter if you play youth sports or are playing senior golf. We are all guilty of thinking negative thoughts while we are ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/negative-self-talk-why-it-happens-and-how-to-defeat-it/ On Monday, April 7, 2008, the University of Kansas Men's basketball team won the third national championship in school history. A team with several experienced players, a very successful head coach and coaching staff saw the victory that had eluded them in the past few years. The team has several ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/why-did-ku-win-the-national-championship/ I recently drove by the elementary school both of my sons attended several years ago. It was a nice spring afternoon, a great day for a game of 500 at the baseball field or maybe just a neighborhood football game. Yes, there were kids on the baseball fields. Both fields ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/do-we-let-kids-play-enough-on-their-own/ In early February, a situation occurred at a small Catholic school in central Kansas regarding one of their basketball games. A high school boys basketball game was about to occur at St. Mary's Academy. One of the two referees chosen to officiate the game was a woman, Michelle Campbell. Just before the ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/should-women-coach-or-referee-boys-athletic-contests-and-should-men-coach-or-referee-girls-athletic-contests/ Several times over the past few weeks, I have had conversations with parents, asking me how they should react and what they should say to their kids about wanting to quit their sport. If you have a son or daughter playing sports, sooner or later this issue will confront you. ... http://winnersunlimited.com/weblog/index.php/how-should-you-react-when-your-child-tells-you-they-want-to-quit-playing-sports/