The psychological side of sport

Editorial: Psychology can play a major role in sport. Athletes, coaches, medical staff, and sport supporters and viewers all understand this. You’ll hear comments from the side lines or from the viewing couch at home such as “they’re just not focussing”, “focus on one thing at a time”, “his mind is not in it today”, “you’re too easily distracted”, and “just think before you pass”. All of these comments relate to the ability to control one’s mind, block out distractions, and focus on those things within a sporting activity that you can control.