Abstract
What often seems intuitive and well-meaning as a mental game strategy may be ineffective or detrimental to athletes, based on the evolution of knowledge in sport psychology. This article describes three popular ideas about the mental game and identifies them as myths, based on experience and research. These myths are (1) mental training should focus on the “zone,” or the pursuit of peak performance, (2) confidence is required to perform well, and (3) attentional “triggers” are best to lock in optimal focus. Recent advances in sport mental training emphasize the importance of preparing responses to competitive challenges, and using specific focus strategies based on the athlete's level of expertise. Practical tips and strategies are also provided to enhance mental skills in athletes and to find alternatives to traditional thinking about the mental game.
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