1st Edition
Faster, Fitter, Happier 75 questions with a Sport Psychologist
Faster, Fitter, Happier is the first book to bridge the gap between the practice of psychology across both professional and amateur sport, and the theoretical foundations on which the science is based. Author Tony Westbury has been working alongside coaches and performers across a range of sports for over 25 years, during which time he has been asked everything from the best methods to combat nerves to developing that elusive ‘will to win’.
Here he provides the answers to 75 questions that encapsulate some of the most important issues he’s faced. From motivating yourself to stick to a training programme to taking a high-pressure penalty or getting back in the saddle after a fall, the book offers guidance and advice across a range of sports for both professional and amateur alike. Its accessible style is ideally suited to performers, coaches, teachers and parents, while each question also includes a summary of the theory - an invaluable resource for students and early career practitioners.
With a foreword by British Lion and Scottish International Jason White, this is a unique overview of how sport psychology can support us in our everyday sporting endeavours. Engaging, insightful and practical, it will be essential reading whether you’re training for the Olympics or just losing confidence after yet another missed putt.
Chapter 1. Why Do We Need a Psychology of Sport? Chapter 2. Do I Need Sport Psychology? Chapter 3. Motivation: Making sense of the 'Will to WIN' Chapter 4. Can Sport Psychology Stop Me Being Sick With Nerves Before I Play? Chapter 5. Choking, Ball-Watching and 'Sledging' - Applying the Science of Attention to Staying Focussed in Sport Performance Chapter 6. It's All About Having a Positive Mental Attitude - Isn't It? Chapter 7. Team Spirit: Accident or Design? Chapter 8. Children and Youth Sport: The Mind of a Child is Not a Vessel to be Filled, it is a Fire to be Kindled Chapter 9. The Psychology of Sport Injury: There Are Two Types of Performer - Those Who Are Currently Injured and Those Who Will Become Injured Chapter 10. Knowing When to Stop: Psychology and the Transition Out of Sport Chapter 11. Pulling the Threads Together - One Last Time
Biography
Tony Westbury has worked as an applied sport psychologist for the past 25 years, working at all levels from novices to Olympians. He is the course leader of the MSc in Sport Performance Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier University, UK.
‘The book explores issues that many athletes, parents, coaches and sport psychologist face when working with athletes in sport and offers important evidence-based recommendations for best practice… Detailed and reader-friendly.’ – Dr. Ciara Losty, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland
