In this episode, Tom Bates discusses the importance of performance psychology in sport, with a focus on how it has grown in terms of understanding and acceptance over the years. We talk about how it can be difficult to measure objectively, and how practitioners must bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical. We also explore the importance of self-awareness, mental well-being, and improving performance in both team and individual sports, referencing the success of the New Zealand All Blacks in adopting mental skills training. Finally, I discuss tips and techniques to help improve mental well-being, the impact of technology on mental health, and the future of psychology, predicting that self-regulation and understanding individual players will become increasingly important.
