Book excerpt: An INTRODUCING PRACTICAL GUIDE to optimizing your mind for sport. Sport Psychology is the study of the psychological factors that affect participation and performance in sports. It deals with increasing performance by managing emotions and minimizing the psychological effects of injury and poor performance. Some of the most important skills taught are goal setting, relaxation, visualization, self-talk, awareness and control, concentration, confidence, using rituals, attribution training, and periodization. With straightforward mental exercises, point-by-point suggestions for improvement and real-life examples – whether you're an aspiring athlete or just someone who wants to perform your chosen sport a little better, this INTRODUCING PRACTICAL GUIDE is the ideal tool.