What a week for poor mental performance in sports….

First, three of the top six golfers in the world, with a chance to win, fall apart on the last nine holes of the US Open at Pebble Beach.  To quote Phil M.  ”If I’d have shot even par on the back, I’d be in a playoff”.   Distractions from these players contrasted with the relaxed, fun behavior and attitude of the winner, Graeme McDowell.

Then, the French soccer team mentally implodes after a controversy between a coach, a player, a team, a federation, and a country.  Some of the highest paid, and most talented individual performers in soccer could not overcome their internal conflict, and join together.  And they’re watching the rest of the World Cup.

This is the kind of week that gives sports psychologists plenty to talk about, and (probably) plenty of new clients.

We dig into the mental aspects of both of these breakdowns with Robert Andrews, founder and director of the Institute for Sports Psychology in Houston.

The Institute of Sports Psychology has provided services for athletes and coaches from the NFL, Major League Baseball, USA Gymnastics, Rice University, University of Houston, Houston Baptist University, Sam Houston State University, UTEP, University of Texas, Fresno State, Oklahoma, Boston College, Michigan, Ohio State and many other colleges and universities across the country and has also developed a program to help college football players prepare for the rigorous NFL Combine.

Robert has been in private practice as a sports psychology consultant and psychotherapist for 18 years. His areas of expertise, primary areas of focus and passion are working with athletes to help them realize their peak potential as an athlete, helping injured athletes overcome the emotional, mental, and spiritual effects of their sports related injury and teaching coaches how to coach at their best when things are at their worst.

Robert has two children who are actively involved (and having fun!) in sports, and he has played football himself.

Here’s some more information about Robert, and the Institute of Sports Psychology, including how to reach him.

The Athlete’s Audio Academy exists to offer a voice to Sports Psychologists from around the world who are committed to improving athletes’ performance, overall health, confidence, and mental skills.  If that describes you, we’d love to interview you!  Contact us, and thanks for watching!