What is the Purpose of Sports Psychologist??? Are they Useful????

Sports psychology is a fake discipline, much like parapsychology and chiropractic.

Their purpose? To make money.

Hasay has no passion for running pro, was forced into it. I have credible sources that tell me this.

I disagree with your premise.

The differences between 15:00, 14:00, and 13:00 5k runners, similar in age/gender/etc., who all train hard are likely to be genetic. However, for runners with similar abilities the difference in winning/placing well is likely to be more mental than physical.

A good sports psychologist can help athletes of all levels learn to focus on things during practice and racing that will aid their performance. I'm sure we can all think of athletes that had great physical gifts, but never performed to their potential especially in big meets. That can be a series of bad luck circumstances, but most often it's the result of poor mental processes.

A sports psychologist isn't a miracle worker and usually can't fix a lifetime of poor mental processes, but they can often improve both performances and the overall satisfaction with the experience. Performing well and being miserable isn't much better than being satisfied with mediocre performance.

Sports psychologists are hacks, there is no science behind what they do.

Your last statement is difficult to follow. Could you explain further?

Duelism is the belief that the mind and body are separate. And it's been argued that dualism is false. The mind just is a product of the body (physical) and therefore it's a mistake to think that the mind and body are separate things. So the mind would depend on one's genetic constitution just as the physical body does.

dfsfdsfds wrote:

Sports psychologists are hacks, there is no science behind what they do.

I guess you know nothing about it then

"the mind would depend on one's genetic constitution just as the physical body does"

explain, then, how one can improve fitness, if the body "depends on one's genetic constitution"

you say the body is controlled by genetics, but the body can be improved by training

you say the mind is controlled by genetics, but the mind cannot be improved by training?

how does that follow?

but the mind can* be improved by training

My thoughts were far simpler than what you might be thinking. I was only reflecting on people I've known that are outstanding performers in their field, but never allow themselves to appreciate their accomplishments and seem miserable with anything other than a record of some type versus those who are perfectly happy with extremely mediocre performances in competitive circumstances. Sports psychologists can help the former with learning to appreciate, and taking more joy, in their efforts.

There is as much scientific evidence backing sports psychology (or any form of psychology) as there is supporting the efficacy of sports massage. So anyone who dismisses sports psychologists as being hacks on the basis of their having no quantifiable effect should do the same with LMTs.

I think the phrase "sports psychology" may be misleading in this era. I speculate that a pro athlete going to see a psychologist is predominantly about non athletic stuff. Basically seeing to it that an athlete is alright with himself, with his past, family and friends, maybe dealing with fame. So that when he (or she) does train and compete that stuff is not dragging on him mentally. There is probably a better way to put that, but that is the jist of it.

Basically its going to see a psychologist for the same reasons anyone sees a psychologist. The term "sports psychologist" is probably used to better qualify for a tax write-off.

I think O.J. Simpson used one. He helped Juice develop that "slashing" style that served him well in his personal life.

Your shocking lack of understanding of physiology floors me. Look up the HERITAGE study and the idea of adaptability and get back to me.Then, explain how "psychology" is not physiology. Do "you" exist outside of something physical? If so, tell me precisely where "you" are?

please explain wrote:

explain, then, how one can improve fitness, if the body "depends on one's genetic constitution"

you say the body is controlled by genetics, but the body can be improved by training

ryan foreman wrote:

...Basically its going to see a psychologist for the same reasons anyone sees a psychologist. The term "sports psychologist" is probably used to better qualify for a tax write-off.

I don't think this is true, but would love to hear from one of the professional who frequents these boards and does utilize a sports psych professional.

There's all kinds of sports psychology that I imagine most coaches use, but I think it's akin to every coach using an understanding of physiology, too. I've read plenty of books that give anecdotal descriptions of sports psychologists' interactions with elite collegiate/professional athletes, but I have no first hand knowledge...

ryan foreman wrote:

I speculate that a pro athlete going to see a psychologist is predominantly about non athletic stuff...

Do you also speculate that women go to see gynecologists predominantly about non-uterus-vagina-ovary stuff, and that basically it's just a typical visit to a GP?

Ya SHITHEAD!

Here is a start for you: Wayne Hurr, Steve Holman.

dfsfdsfds wrote:

Sports psychologists are hacks, there is no science behind what they do.

Why? Because they don't use surgical tools?

I have had some positive experiences with sports psychologists. With one, he gave me the opportunity to piece together my outlook on life and running which always left me feeling confident and optimistic. I've also had other experiences where a sports psychologist would not let me off easy and push me to dig deeper into questions such as why do I run?

I strongly believe that when the body is fit, the mind will follow. But just as we need water food and shelter, we are very social animals that benefit from family, friendships, and love.

I don't know much if anything about it, but the first time I remember a sports psychologist being mentioned was with John Smoltz when he played for the Braves a long time ago. He had struggled early in his career I believe and started seeing a sports psychologist and he improved tremendously. Does that mean anything? I don't know but that's my anecdote.

All the people posting on letsrun about running really well in practice then sucking in races, could probably benefit from a sports psychologist.