The Fall Matters: Make it Count
If you’re at all serious about your ski racing, this past summer should have been devoted to the process of making yourself the best ski racer you can be. There is one thing that you better have done and another thing that you likely will have done this past summer: engage in an intensive physical […]
Read MoreInterview on Endurance Sport Psychology
I was recently interviewed by TrailRunningNation.com on the psychology of endurance sports, including trail running. I offer a lot of practical ideas on how to be prepared, feel confident, focus and deal with the pain of an endurance event.
Read MoreSwimmer Ledecky’s Parents are My Heroes
Katie Ledecky made history when she won the four freestyle swimming event between 200 and 1500 meters at the recently concluded 2015 World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia. Her athletic feat was singularly remarkable to be sure. However, I’m more interested in what led her to this place, particularly the role that her parents played […]
Read MoreTaylor Publishes Latest Book: Dance Psychology
I’m pleased to announce the publication by Human Kinetics of my latest book: Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence (co-authored with Dr. Elena Estanol). This is a follow-up to my first-ever 1995 book, Psychology of Dance, which I wrote with my late mother, Ceci Taylor. For those not familiar with my work in dance, I have […]
Read MoreLaying The Foundation For Prime Tennis
There are many things that go into developing skilled tennis players. Physical conditioning, technique, tactics, and psychology require years of constant attention for young players to become the best they can be. Yet, underlying all of the information, exercises, techniques, and strategies are some basic and essential concepts that players and coaches must understand for […]
Read MoreSelf-Confidence
Almost every dancer has at some time in his or her career experienced the feeling of complete self-confidence. Honed, strong, and relaxed, you know you are dancing well. It is a feeling of invincibility that usually results in a great performance. Self-confidence may be the single most important ingredient for successful performing. It enables you […]
Read MoreMake Parents Your Allies
When I ask tennis coaches what is the biggest challenge and stressor in their work with young players, the almost unanimous response is PARENTS! Coaches indicate that more often than not parents interfere with rather than facilitate their coaching. This is an unfortunate situation as parents have a powerful impact on players. Considering this, it […]
Read MoreGoal Setting For Better Player Performance
One of the most widely used techniques to increase motivation among athletes is goal setting. Having players establish goals at different levels of training and competition will improve their effort and intensity. In order to ensure the value of goal setting, there are several components that must be included in a well-organized goal setting program. […]
Read MoreMaximize Your Prime Triathlon Imagery
Triathlon imagery is perhaps the most powerful mental skill you can develop to help you achieve Prime Triathlon. There are four factors that will impact the quality of your triathlon imagery: perspective, control, multiple sense, and speed. You can develop each of these areas so you can get the most out of your triathlon imagery. […]
Read MorePlacing Demands On Young Athletes
Self-esteem is the single most important thing that young people need to develop in order to be happy, successful, and productive adults. Self-esteem refers to peoples’ basic view of themselves that is reflected in statements such as, “I like myself,” “I am a good person,” or “I am a failure,” or “No one loves me.” […]
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