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Sports 2012

So what is sport and exercise psychology?
Although sport is played with the body, it is won in the mind. As Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player, revealed, “the difference between the top players is the mental ability to cope with pressure … and stay calm." Clearly, the ability to focus effectively in the heat of competition – when taking a penalty kick or golf putt – is vital for success in sport. And the good news is that this mental skill can be developed through appropriate training and practice.
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Wilderness course for better mental health
A new course has been announced as part of a Scottish mental health initiative aimed at helping individuals to learn basic wilderness skills. Run by Forestry Commission Scotland, the Branching Out programme - which also encourages people to take part in conservation activities - will now be running a new 12-week scheme in East Renfrewshire. Participants will join in a number of pursuits helping them to get closer to nature, such as forest photography, tree identification, tai chi, site walks, willow weaving and hut building.
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Special virtual issue journal on sports psychology
We are delighted to offer you free access to this Virtual Issue on Sport Psychology from the Journals of the British Psychological Society. Ever since Norman Triplett's (1898) ground-breaking publication on social influence on cycling performance, which is often cited as the first experiment in social psychology, psychologists have taken an interest in sport. And of course interest has blossomed in the study of sport psychology, which has a history spanning over 100 years.
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The influence of coaches on the well-being of athletes explored
A selection of the latest research into the coach/athlete relationship and how it meets the psychological needs of athletes will be presented as part of a symposium, which takes place today (18 April) at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference held in London. Regarded as one of the most important and influential factors on athletes, the rapport between coach and athlete can affect their performance, personal development, psychological well-being and continued participation in sport.
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Rituals and religion help footballers cope
Superstitions can help footballers control their anxiety before a game. That is the finding of research presented at the British Psychology Society Annual Conference, held at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London this week.
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Tai Chi increases mobility and reduces falls in older people
A study has shown that taking part in a Tai Chi exercise programme reduced the number of falls and increased mobility in a group of senior citizens in assisted living in the US.
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Countdown to the greatest psychological show on earth
Today (18 April) marks the 100-day countdown to the London Olympic Games.  Over the next few months, as London gets ready to host this great sporting event, the British Psychological Society's Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology (DSEP) aims to show the part psychology plays in making the Olympics and Paralympics the greatest psychological shows on earth.
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Favourite music boosts sports performance
Whether you like classical, death metal or skiffle, listening to your own choice of music could improve your enjoyment of taking part in competitive sports and improve performance, a study has found.
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Online Experiment
Many sportsman have claimed that the period of time just before a sporting encounter starts can be very important in determining the result of the competition.
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Top footballers better at abstract thinking
Professional footballers are better at abstract thinking and have superior executive functions than those with less talent in the game.
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Will Team GB's new uniform bring victory?
Thinking they look good in their sports kit does not necessarily mean a person is any more likely to perform well at events such as the Olympic Games.
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Familiar faces help top athletes win
A selfless fan has shown his Olympic spirit by offering tickets for the London Games to the friends and family of a British athlete.
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Selfless fan shows Olympic spirit
A selfless fan has shown his Olympic spirit by offering tickets for the London Games to the friends and family of a British athlete.
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Does vision training help in sport?
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have reported dramatic improvements in their baseball team after enrolling the players in "vision training", designed to strengthen and speed the eye muscles and enhance visual processing.
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Sport can help men's mental health
Playing amateur football is good for men’s mental health and can help even those with serious mental health problems.
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Becoming a sport & exercise psychologist
What do sport and exercise psychologists do? What they do It is rare for individuals to practise in both sport and exercise psychology. Though some exceptions exist, they generally specialise in one or the other.
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Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology
The Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology (DSEP)
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