An Introduction
This is my first blog regarding my new book “Bring Your ‘A’ Game.” So, I wanted to take this chance to introduce myself and tell you about my book.
I am an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I received my PhD from Arizona State University in 1995. Since 1999, I have been a member of the United States Soccer Federation Coaching Education staff and have been providing educational seminars for soccer coaches. At almost every seminar that I have given, coaches have asked me if there is a book that I could recommend as a resource for their athletes. After almost 10 years of having to answer NO, I finally decided that I would write “Bring Your ‘A’ Game” to provide this important resource.
I have written this book specifically to provide mental skills for young athletes who have the goal of reaching their potential in sport. Of course, the book will also be of use to anyone who is trying to improve his or her abilities in any performance venue (like dancers, musicians, orators, and students). In “Bring Your ‘A’ Game” I include topics on energy management, relaxation skills, goal setting, confidence, and pre-performance routines. With the introduction of each mental skill, I include a worksheet that you can use to help practice the skill. The idea is that by mastering each mental skill, you will develop a “tool box” of mental skills that you can apply to each situation you face as you strive for excellence.
I hope that parents and coaches will recommend this book to their young athletes, and I certainly expect that this book will help committed young athletes to reach their potential.
