Dr. Chris Stankovich's Articles – April 2011 Archive (10)

Coaches, Help Kids Identify and Use Athletic Transferable Skills!

Throughout my professional career I have stressed the importance of athletic transferable skills for many reasons. First, these skills are invaluable across settings and can help with life success! In addition, during the inevitable sport retirement transition athletic transferable skills can help with the…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 28, 2011 at 7:36am — No Comments

Sports Performance Success - Heart or Natural Talent?

Most teams have a player or two with exceptional natural athletic talent, while also having players with far less talent but are incredibly motivated to succeed. Of these two prototypes, which would you rather coach? You can read my thoughts on this topic at:…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 25, 2011 at 10:37pm — No Comments

Discussing the Realities of College and Pro Sports

As we prepare for another summer full of exciting youth sports, it's important to touch base again about the realities of kids one day earning full-ride athletic opportunities (or professional sport opportunities). By understanding these realities, families can make more responsible decision for their kids, as…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 21, 2011 at 4:42pm — No Comments

A Sport Science Skill EVERY Coach Should Know!

Psychological techniques can be used to dramatically improve athletic performance, and one very important skill coaches can use to help kids play their best is a technique called shaping. Check out my latest blog on how shaping can be used to help with athletic skill acquisition and…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 19, 2011 at 8:17pm — No Comments

Personality Types & Sports Performance - Does it Matter?

Many coaches try to "toughen up" the athletes they coach, thinking that tougher athletes = better athletes.

There are two fundamental questions coaches need to think about when it comes to this:

1. Do athletes need to have "tough" personalities to succeed in sports?

2. If…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 18, 2011 at 1:05pm — No Comments

Sport Psychology Mental Toughness Q & A

This week I answered a few questions I received recently about mental toughness, getting started with mental training, and the stigma associated with mental training skills -- read the rest of my blog here.

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 12, 2011 at 10:57pm — No Comments

The Dangers of Having Team Chemistry that's TOO Cozy & Comfortable

Team chemistry is a funny thing in sports --- coaches swear by its importance, yet few know how to describe the things that help (and hurt) team chemistry. When it comes to team cohesion, you may be surprised to learn that having a team that consists of everyone getting along wonderfully may actually…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 6, 2011 at 3:54pm — No Comments

Great Sports Leadership Tips from Joe Torre

If you are a coach and sometimes struggle with motivating players (who doesn't qualify here?!), you might want to check out a great book I picked up years ago written by then NY Yankees manager Joe Torre (Ground Rules for Winners). One specific tip he discussed relating to player motivation and addressing…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 5, 2011 at 5:11pm — No Comments

Ohio State officials must contend with a unique stressor - chronic stress

As the NCAA continues its investigation of Ohio State in the aftermath of Coach Tressel and the email communication he had with people about potential student athlete compliance allegations, he and his superiors (Gene Smith and Gordon Gee) are up against a very unique, and often debilitating type of…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 4, 2011 at 3:01pm — No Comments

Focus on what's important and forget the rest

Simple enough, right? Actually it's much more difficult than it sounds ---- but the good news is focus can be refined and strengthened, similar to how muscle development occurs through physical training.…

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Added by Dr. Chris Stankovich on April 1, 2011 at 4:46pm — No Comments