ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains why athletes react the way they do under pressure and how the impacts their thoughts and behaviours. It suggests various routes to building positive support and engagement and some ways to measure if the expectations that are being felt are real or imagined. The book focuses on sports all differ in the amount of time they require their athletes. Many athletes love their sport but fear the competitive element. Athletes who understand the concentration requirements of their sport can learn how to focus, how to avoid distraction and how to switch their attention on to the right things at the right time. Alongside a lack of confidence the other standout reason athletes come to see sport psychologists is due to a lack of emotional control.
