ABSTRACT
The first important point to consider is that psychological skills can be learned. It is not just a case of discarding performers who under-achieve because they lack confidence, cannot concentrate or fail to handle the pressure of competition. Performers can learn to be more confident, they can learn to concentrate better, and they can learn how to be more composed in pressure situations. Young performers may simply develop these skills over time, perhaps as part of the maturation process; others may need some help and guidance, perhaps from a sport psychologist.
