ore them. The first technique used by many psychologists is called, "replace the pain." Athletes in various sports often get depressed and discouraged because of the different aspects of their athletic skills that they cannot accomplish, because of fatigue or pain. To overcome these obstacles sports psychologists have athletes visualize long term goals. Psychologists believe that using these techniques athletes will be able to replace the pain and not dwell on the negative aspects. Yukelson states "You should have a strategy ready to replace the pain, and if so you can often make it enough so you don't end up dwelling on it. (Megan Gorman, 1997 p.46 &47) The second technique used for athletes to remove mental and physical pressure during competitive situations is a method called, "Stretch your mind as well as your body." Athletes in today's society are either suffering from tension or nervous build up. Through heavy research, sports therapists have found out that athletes who have experienced recent life stress are more likely to be injured on the playing field. Overly stressed athletes are less to observe potentially harmful objects in their peripheral vision and more likely to concentrate on irrelevant cues. Moreover anxious athletes who get so excited before games build up tension or get more nervous as time progresses. They tend to simultaneously tense opposing muscles, leading to tiredness and injury. Sports psychologists recommend relaxation before big games. According to Ray Palmer, "The more relaxed Athletes are the...
