Book about Sport Psychology by Dan Kirschenbaum: Mind Matters

Two of the ten books written by Dr. Dan Kirschenbaum, the Center’s Director, focus on sport psychology:

Mind Matters: 7 Steps to Smarter Sport Performance

The following are the seven steps to smarter sport performance described in the book Mind Matters:

1. Identifying Problems
2. Improving Commitment
3. Maximizing Physical Skills
4. Improving Positive Concentration
5. Managing Emotions
6. Creating Supportive Environments
7. Evaluating Progress

Mind Matters takes the reader through each of these steps, using three athletes focused on different sports to illustrate how to use the ideas and techniques described in the book. A great many worksheets and examples helps the reader learn how to use the science of sport psychology to elevate their own mental games.

Reviews of Mind Matters

Mind Matters is a great resource for every athlete, from elite Olympians to golfers trying to break 100. Dr. Kirschenbaum uses all of the latest research to provide a great introduction to sport psychology. I have added it to the very short list of books I recommend to Olympians.

Sean McCann, Ph.D., Director, Sport Psychology, US Olympic Committee, Former President, Association for Advancement of Sport Psychology

Mind Matters is the definitive work on psychological performance enhancement for athletes. Written by one of America’s top sport psychologists, the book presents a wealth of research-based wisdom and guidelines to help athletes improve their self-understanding, commitment, self-control skills and performance. Dr. Kirschenbaum also describes the scientific principles that explain why improvements in sport performance occur, meeting the highest standards in the field of sport psychology. Every coach, athlete, and sport psychology consultant should own this book.

Ronald E. Smith, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of Washington,Former President, Association for Advancement of Sport Psychology

Smart Golf

The five components of Smart Golf are:

1. Preparation
2. Positive Focusing
3. Plan
4. Apply
5. React

Thousands of golfers, at all skill levels, have used these five steps of Smart Golf, to organize and improve the very critical mental component of their games. These techniques, all scientifically based and evaluated, will help you stay positive in the face of this incredibly mentally challenging sport. You’ll learn, for example, to focus on and track your best shots after every hole, rather than become distracted by your mistakes. You can focus on errors and problematic shots after the round; during play, you’ll score much better if you learn how to quickly get over the problems (using the 4F technique in the React chapter, for example) and then focus on those better shots – to keep you hopeful and upbeat during the round. Remember, golf is supposed to be fun. Smart Golf keeps that point front and center.

Smart Golf Reviews

 

Smart Golf is one book players at any level of expertise should not miss. It combines the knowledge of a top teaching pro with the scientific principles of a sport psychologist who knows how to play the game. This unique combination provides the insights for a good read and a better game.

John Silva, Ph.D., Professor of Sport Psychology, The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and founding President, Association for Advancement of Sport Psychology

This book provides golfers at all levels a clear plan of action. This is for anyone truly serious about improving his or her mental approach to the game.

Steve Patterson, Head Golf Professional, Winnetka Golf Club, 2-time Illinois Radix Cup Team Member

For the first time, a book that shows you how to put mind and technique together for winning performance! Begin using Smart Golf today and enjoy taking your game to a new level.

Shane Murphy, Ph.D., Chief Sport Psychologist, United States Olympic Committee (1987-1994) and former President, American Psychological Association’s Division of Exercise and Sport Psychology

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