Sport Psychology Q&A: Sport Performance Psychology for High Pressure

In this solo episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, I (Dr. Jason Von Stietz) answer a series of questions from high school students taking a sports psychology class. I share practical techniques for handling high-pressure moments, the importance of pre-game routines, and the role of therapy in an athlete's life. I also shares I stay motivated through diverse professional interests, ranging from clinical work to writing about leadership lessons from Star Trek.Key Discussion PointsPlaying One Pitch at a Time: I outline Ken Ravizza’s a three-step process: control yourself with a slow breath, commit to a simple plan (like a "line drive up the middle"), and trust yourself to compete without last-minute second-guessing."Getting Out of Your Head" with Improv: I discuss improv comedy as a tool to help athletes practice being in the moment and tolerating feelings of anxiety or "cringiness".Designing Your Pre-Game Routine: Athletes are encouraged to develop routines by auditing their best and worst performances to see what preparation works for them. Treating "Mental and Emotional Injuries": Just as a sprained ankle requires treatment to recover faster, mental challenges like burnout, performance anxiety, or ADHD benefit from professional support to prevent them from lingering or worsening.Having a fun career: Staying engaged in a variety of projects has been key to maintaining  motivation. Resources & LinksDr. Jason von Stietz: DrJasonvonStietz.com | Instagram: @CBTSportsPsychLidia Garcia, MSW: LidiaGarcia.netRecommended Listening: Check out my other podcast, Movie House Sports Psychology, which explores mental health through the lens of popular TV and filmSpecial Guest: This episode features a special cameo by Taco the cat.Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.