Fear is a universal human emotion. In sport, it is often discussed quietly, sometimes avoided altogether, yet it plays a central role in performance, decision-making, and wellbeing. This article explores fear from a sport psychology perspective, drawing on established theory and research, with the aim of informing athletes, coaches, and practitioners without prescribing or selling a particular approach. What Is Fear? Fear is a normal human emotion. In sport and performance se

When athletes look for mental performance support, two titles often come up: sport psychologist  and mindset coach . They’re sometimes used interchangeably — but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference matters, especially if you want support that’s effective, ethical, and appropriate for your situation. What is a sport psychologist? A sport psychologist is a highly trained professional  who works with athletes and performers to improve performance and  suppor

Golf is one of the most mentally demanding sports. A technically solid swing is important, but without confidence, emotional control, and focus, performance can quickly fall apart — especially under pressure. That’s why more UK golfers are turning to sport psychology  to strengthen the mental side of their game. Whether you're a club golfer, a competitive amateur, or simply want to enjoy the sport more, psychological skills can make a real difference both on and off  the cour

Growing up around rugby because of my dad, there were few things that captured my attention like the haka. I remember being small and absolutely transfixed by it — the rhythm, the expression, the raw energy of a team declaring who they are and where they come from. The All Blacks, at the time, felt mythical to me. And the haka… well, it was unlike anything else in sport. What I didn’t understand then — and only appreciate now as a sport psychologist — is just how layered and

When things go wrong in sport — a dropped ball, a tough loss, or a coach’s criticism — it’s easy to feel that our emotions are completely determined by what happened. But in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) , psychologist Albert Ellis  suggested that it’s not the event itself that causes our feelings, but the beliefs we hold about it . Ellis explained this using what’s often called the ABC model : A  – the Activating event  (for example, losing a match) B  – the Beli

When it comes to excelling in any sport or performance field, physical skill is just one piece of the puzzle. Have you ever wondered why...

When it comes to performing at your best, physical training is only part of the equation. Have you ever wondered what separates good...

Understanding Cognitive Appraisals in Sport In sport psychology, cognitive appraisal refers to how athletes evaluate high-pressure...

In sport, the pursuit of excellence is rarely a solo journey. Athletes build teams around them—coaches, trainers, physios,...