MT, A Masterful Discovery

After Rajon Rondo's dazzling display of leadership and basketball skills -- one that produced another postseason triple-double and big-time W -- he was asked about his team's approach after a disappointing Game 1 in Los Angeles. Citing "mental toughness" midway through the interview, he sounds so sure of the psychological element that helped his team tie the series as it heads back to Boston, that there must be a secret bottle of it -- MT, we'll call it -- somewhere. Perhaps the Celtics training staff concocted it on a day off or had it shipped from Beantown where more awaits on Tuesday.

Often eluded to in pre- and post-game discussions, yet often overlooked in preparation and real-time play because of limited time, ambiguity, or indifference, it's the aspect of the game that the greats hold so dear. Whatever Rondo did to consume it or feel that way, it's best that he holds on to the process.

A few days prior, Rondo's teammate Paul Pierce even conceded his thoughts on the subject, albeit suggesting the untouchable work of his foe-to-be:

"Once you master the mental part of the game, you become a master of the game of basketball," Pierce said. "There's only been one master in basketball ever, and that's Michael Jordan, but Kobe is pretty close."

That is a strong statement. One, because it addresses what Kobe has that no other contemporary can claim. Two, because it's a former NBA Finals MVP showing his sincerity all the while aware that he is not at that level himself.

The mental aspect -- the area that separates the good from the great, and in this example, the master from all the rest -- is regarded in this arena as THE skill to master. More than the quickest and most accurate jump shot, the deadliest drop step, the smoothest crossover, the swiftest slide into a defensive stance, one who can elevate his game -- and even more, his teammates' -- with his mind has the ultimate advantage.

Was Rondo speaking for his team as a whole, or was it simply the way he felt at the time of the question? Some may think not the former, as a couple teammates didn't even turn in sub-par performances. But Rondo spoke as a leader and one who certainly believed in his priorities, tasks that aided his team down to the last second. A strip, a swat, a tip, a jumper. Masterful work stemming from his mindset to keep on clawing. He had the hot hand in more ways than just shooting. And that mentality allowed him to look like a master, at least for a couple of periods.

Been Busy

It's hard to believe this much time has passed since the last post. I suppose it's been a bit busy, though ... after all, building a program from scratch isn't the easiest task in the world. There has been a whirlwind of activity the last few months: I've hooped with great NBA writers, conversed to Jay Bilas about the state of college basketball, heard Jerry West and Bill Russell talk about greatness, listened to Tom Izzo's passionate beliefs about rebounding, seen Kobe "do work" up close at Staples, and spoken with people all around the world about the vision for Caltech basketball ... the latter, of course, having everything to do with the other items. In fact, a colleague of mine, Dr. Justin Anderson, pointed out this article from Harvard Business Review, a useful reference about the importance of interactions and how individuals feed off each other in group situations. Not only can the notions be applied to forming a team, but also creating a culture of excellence and, on an even grander scale, constructing a philosophy for coaching or teaching. Our staff is always busy, attempting to maximize our resources, think creatively, communicate the new vision with as many people as possible, and establish a meaningful environment in every way imaginable. Take a look inside the program.

Analysis with the Aces

Just getting back from the third annual Sloan Sports Analytics Conference held at MIT. On the day of the Institute’s men’s basketball team’s historical run into the second round of the DIII NCAA Tournament (more on that later), there was quite a lineup to view inside the intentionally contorted design known as the Stata Center.

For a college basketball coach with an eye for education (and by the looks of the conference list, the sole head coach in attendance), the schedule was quite sensational – a highly anticipated hodgepodge of intellects and athletic aficionados. Always looking beyond basic basketball strategy to fit into personal hoops program philosophy, the panels provided content on psychological research in sport, techniques to utilize statistics that go far beyond basic box scores, and a dearth of hot discussions – many of which were astutely entertaining – from fans’ roles to front office finances to the fortunes of hockey fights.

Jeff Van Gundy mixed in noteworthy, nutty comments with invigorating insight. Marc Cuban played a subdued self, and displayed impressive statistic analytic talk. Daryl Morey paced dialogue with subtle promotion of the Rockets’ reverie. Sonny Vaccaro passionately pleaded for a new look age; specifically, a hopeful time when there is no minimum age limit for NBA players and NCAA student-athletes are able to reap rewards in the form of stipends. Dean Oliver explained, ever so slightly, that everything in basketball is measurable, albeit with enough minds and material. Armond Hill preached the importance of professional leaders and conversed of a commitment to team chemistry – characteristics that allowed the Celtics to clinch last season’s title.

From NBA reporters to ESPN writers to top executives to pro sport’s statistical gurus, this was certainly the place to be for folks searching for numbers and names that go beyond the typical terms we hear and read on a daily basis. The data only substantiated my thoughts about community involvement, competitive practices, group cohesion, creative coaching methods, and countless hours of statistical analysis based on video breakdown and play-by-play. Being crunched into one venue with all of this information and a variety of individuals was very inspiring.

The Goal is to Have a Goal, and a Good One

In my experience, one of the most trendy items to cover in the preseason is the topic of goals. I do not know the percentage of coaches that ask their players and teams to set them, but I would venture to say goal setting is one of the strongest correlated variables in sports preparation. Some come up with goals the right way, while for others, creating realistic challenges is quite a conundrum.

Sport psychology literature warrants that goal setting is a very effective performance technique, particularly when goals are specific, measurable, reachable, and process oriented. Many people, though, do not know how to lay out the laws, nor stick with them, throughout the course of a lengthy season -- even a drawn-out week. More often than not, I have worked with an athlete who attempted (or was forced) to write down his goals, submit them to his coach, and then forgot what he wrote because he never saw the list again. Or it was not reflected on or reviewed in a structured manner. Sound familiar to anyone?

Goals are good. They help to motivate. They can keep one focused. They influence one's confidence -- hopefully in a good way. They may even be good for team building if discussed, criticized, and reworked among peers, coaches, or teammates.

And if they are personal but can still aid the team in its overall philosophy, then being able to construct goals is a true asset -- even a talent. Muss cited Andrew Bynum's goal to get 20 and 10 each game this season. Nice, though Coach Jackson doesn't believe the 20 can happen within his system. I wonder if Phil told his young big his thoughts or if Bynum had to read about them as we did? And I wonder if the budding star explained to his coach why he thought he was going to average an astounding double-double? Did he actually plan his outcome goals with performance goals this past summer? Was there time to pre-meditate before presenting a potentially enlightening moment to his philosophical coach? Hoopscoach reports Michael Curry sacrificed free time to stay in prime shape and work on his game consistently in order to prove to himself and others that he deserved what he dreamed. I hope Bynum put in the mental and physical work, too.

A player and a coach can talk the talk. But each has to write the talk (and have support provided along the way). At the very least, structure the talk that leads to the walk... otherwise, the goals are empty -- as the hoops will be without any follow through.

Program Refreshers

It has been a hectic, yet exciting time for me in this unprecedented move to Pasadena. I've been constantly thinking about the basketball program and the vision -- what to do, what not to do, what to expect, what not to expect.

From a psychological standpoint, a newly tapped energy is injected into an athletics team when a new staff takes over. People -- students, faculty, staff, administration -- are pumped. Questions arise everyday as university community members want to know about the upcoming season, the philosophy of the team, the outlook for the future. It's quite an experience -- especially considering I'm walking around a campus that is home to an Einstein getaway and 16 Nobel Prize Winners in science and medicine!

During the past week, I've jumped into every phase of the program, from relationship building to recruitment to alumni relations. Brief moments in the otherwise exhilarating activities have allowed me to explore what other coaches are doing (or could be doing) with their programs as they prepare for their first 2008-09 tip-off:

Thanks to HoopsCoach, we know what the Boston Celtics are talking about: discipline.

The Cross Over Movement brings up the question: do traditional training methods mean they have to last forever?

In the Coach's Network, when is the tough approach the one to utilize?

Musselman explains what 10 team are emphasizing -- everything from running to moving the ball to playing defense to creating chemistry.

Ah ha -- statistical analysis -- to use or not to use?

Positivity is great. Negativity not so great. Perhaps the priority is to be just plain real.

It's best not to reinvest, from a mental processing point of view -- otherwise, one chokes. (see previous post on pushing fast forward on the moment).

Dig your Digs - It Means More than you Think

Perceptions are crucial. In sports, how a team interprets its program or an opponent is often the best motivator -- and the forethought may even be a predictor of success. If athletes feel that their program is cared for, and that the established environment has been enriched, then they will want to hold down their end of the bargain -- whether it is an agreement in writing or not.

Some coaches have their players sign contracts in the beginning of a season, outlining the athletes' promises to put in substantial effort throughout the season. Others, like Coach K and his Redeem Team staff, leave coaching messages for the players (e.g. "We're 0-0" or "Play like a champion"), perhaps on the bus seats or in the locker room. And, it could be the latter that is the most important setting.

The locker room is like a baby's crib, even the womb, where players spend much time -- in play and preparation. Simply put, as Musselman suggests, it needs to become an atmosphere of development, just as the playing surface is one of learning and hard work. If the "preparation" room looks and feels good, the team is more likely to take care of its quarters. And if the pad is treated well, it will breed an aura of seriousness and sound teamwork. A nice place is much harder to mess up.

It's like the broken window theory. People are less likely to destroy a place, even commit a crime, if their surroundings are attended to in a thoughtful manner. Malcolm Gladwell explains how the theory relates to The Tipping Point:

The broken-window hypothesis was the inspiration for the cleanup of the subway system conducted by the New York City Transit Authority in the late eighties and early nineties. Why was the Transit Authority so intent on removing graffiti from every car and cracking down on the people who leaped over turnstiles without paying? Because those two "trivial" problems were thought to be tipping points-broken windows-that invited far more serious crimes.

In a way, a team is influenced not only by the coaching staff, practice drills, and opponent, but by its environment.

Mind your digs, ya' dig?

Cerebral Matter

Each week, “Cerebral Matter” highlights articles, anecdotes, and analyses related to the psychological aspects of performance.


Head Games in auto racing:

The battle for the IndyCar championship is won on the course, but Helio Castroneves is trying to influence the outcome off the track.

Castroneves, who enters Sunday's Detroit Indy Grand Prix on Belle Isle 43 points behind driver points-leader Scott Dixon, has refined his strategy to include mind games with the New Zealander.

"I'm trying to do everything I can," said Castroneves, who will start on the front row with Dixon after turning in the second-fastest qualifying lap Saturday of 102.412 mph. "We're trying to get into his head."

Sarah Palin is prepared to deal with pressure. After all, she was a sportscaster and still is a competitor.


Ian Poulter is fed up and sick of dealing with distractions:

"It's just so mentally draining to be in this position, to listen and read and to get all the b.s all week. It's seriously, seriously mentally draining."...

...“They are the people I feel really sorry for,” he said. “They are going to be feeling pressure as it is and you don't want to be standing over a three-footer with so much doubt in your mind, not knowing if the ball is going to run straight.”

Music is great to listen to on many levels. It can change a person's mood instantly – one of the reason athletes use it to mentally prepare for competition. But, did you know listening to those tunes can actually help one heal?


Modeling is how we learn. Young athletes emulate veterans in various ways. Players even choose their numbers based on who they love as kids:

“When I was in high school, I used to watch basketball and the Chicago Bulls,” Aceves said this morning. “Dennis Rodman was one of the best players at that time. The way he played, he played a lot mentally. He made the other players get frustrated.”

But you’re not nuts, right, Alfredo?

“But I’m not nuts,” Aceves said, laughing.

Is your favorite coach really that valuable?


Can Nadal keep up his torrid mental pace?

“I think I help a little bit, him to play to this level,” Nadal said. “He played well today, but I didn’t play with normal intensity. I play a little bit less intensity than last few months for sure. Probably I’m a little bit tired more than usually.”…

…Despite flying from the United States to Beijing and back in the last two weeks, Nadal said jet lag was not as much a problem as mental fatigue from a grueling season.

Is an addiction to crossword puzzles healthy? What is happening in your mind gym?


Maybe it’s ok to be bored…at least some of the time:

In a recent paper in The Cambridge Journal of Education, Teresa Belton and Esther Priyadharshini of East Anglia University in England reviewed decades of research and theory on boredom, and concluded that it’s time that boredom “be recognized as a legitimate human emotion that can be central to learning and creativity.”

Phelps Wins Again

Michael Phelps' latest victory did not result in a gold medal, but it did demonstrate the main reason for his eight Olympic wins. He smashed the competition on this site's latest poll, claiming just under 60 percent of the total, or 92 of the 157 votes. D-Wade finished in a far away second with 15 percent of the count, while Nastia and Yao tied for third. Every athlete tallied one vote except the two-sport star Rebecca Romero.

It is safe to assume that Phelps does indeed possess that tough of a mind, although the prediction did not entail this much of a massacre. The votes come from people around the world, so it is interesting to note that humans everywhere are equally impressed with the swimmer's mental game and accomplishments. (It would have been insightful to have been able to read a reason for each selection).

The outcome may have something to do with his popularity and the number of times we were able to watch him race, hear him talk, and read about his training (psychologically, the more we witness or vicariously spend time with a person, we come to think that we know the individual -- even if we never meet him -- hence, the obsessed sports fanatic).

As discussed previously, it is very difficult to measure greatness, especially remarkable endeavors across various sports. Phelps' mental ability to maintain his level of perfection throughout competition is unquestionably the reason he was the most favored answer of the proposed question.

Striding Toward Mainstream

One of the reasons the Games are so captivating is that the world is able to view all sorts of athletics, 24/7, from the traditional swimming and gymnastics events to the rising basketball popularity to the track and field competitions to the fascinating table tennis and beach volleyball matches.

Usain Bolt has sprinted and danced into people’s hearts and living rooms faster than his world-record breaking runs. His success is substantial for his country and his sport. He has been referred to as a “freak of nature”, as an “anomaly”, and a “wonder”. One may question his mental makeup since he appears blinded by youth, a class clown who seems to want nothing more than to play around with his peers only minutes before he takes his mark. I’ve heard people question his pre-run routine. “Why is he not focusing?” “How can he be so loose?” “Is he just cocky?”

I’d argue that he is anxious to get started; he just releases his energy in another way. He makes himself feel welcome, wanted, and psyched to get started. It must be difficult to keep all of that excitable energy inside oneself in front of 91,000 screaming fans. Bolt often states he just wants to have fun and enjoy himself -- and I'm sure his words help ease his nerves.

Here is a shout out to those events everyone else does not necessarily care about. For example, imagine the pressure of an Olympic skeet shooter. He or she must be still, quiet the mind, utilize a steady finger, and fire at a small target after years of training. Props to the participants who love what they do and become the best in the world.

Rebecca Romero certainly knows about working toward perfection -- in two different Olympic sports. She already won a silver in rowing four years ago, a sport that is mentally and physically grueling.

Romero then set her sights on Beijing, but in cycling -- and saw all of her hard work pay off.

Here is a fitting excerpt about the mental game in rowing from the Otago Daily Times:

Rowing New Zealand high performance manager Andrew Matheson said every crew would prepare in their own way.

He believed the mental game is what sets an Olympics apart from the annual world championships, where New Zealand have been a dominant force in all three stagings since Athens.

"It's a small but significant difference. A lot of it comes down to the mind, handling the pressure," Matheson said.

Kudos to the athletes who do not necessarily get as much attention as Phelps or Nastia or Bolt. They are all awe inspiring, from a physical and mental perspective, and as deserving as any to be thrown into the mainstream.

Talking to Yourself Doesn’t Mean You’re Crazy

Remember Karl Malone’s mouth moving mantra before he shot free throws later in his career? Ever notice Tiger chattering pre-putt or post-shank? If you’ve been watching various Olympics events, you may have observed many athletes muttering or moving their lips as they get ready to run, swim, or vault.

American hurdler Lolo Jones (who wanted to put pressure on her opponents in the 100m semifinals) and others have mentioned that they talk to themselves to keep them psyched up for the imminent and intense competition. No, the talking doesn’t mean they’re insane – it’s actually a mental technique that athletes utilize to stay at the top of their game.

In psychological terms, the talking is referred to as self-talk (not a very complicated term, huh?). It’s also known as verbal persuasion, a component of Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. Verbal persuasion, which can be initiated by oneself or a third party, entails triggers or statements of encouragement that are repeated to a person with the idea that, the more one hears something, the more one starts to believe it. In a sense, one learns to develop or maintain a mental rhythm of vocab.

Athletes use self-talk or verbal persuasion to increase self-efficacy (otherwise known as situational self-confidence). They may also employ self-talk to motivate, focus, or regulate athletic arousal. Often, self-talk is applied during a mental routine to prepare the body for movement or combat negative thoughts and unfavorable emotions.

There has been a wealth of research in psychology that supports the advantages and usefulness of self-talk, especially when combined with other peak performance strategies.

Athletes are involved in running conversations with themselves all of the time, but they may not even realize it. They really need to ask, “What am I saying and is it effective?” The heightened awareness will help them create a mental game plan, and hopefully one that parallels the 80-20 approach emphasizing the positives.

Learn to talk to yourself the right way -- it's a valuable performance tool. At the very least, tell yourself that.

Phelps Gives Lesson in Mental Game

For someone (like myself) who works with and studies the mental makeup of athletes for a living, there is nothing like having the opportunity to analyze Michael Phelps’ performances in these Olympic Games on a daily basis. At any moment, while viewing the NBC broadcasts or researching various news sites, another quote or anecdote is communicated about his idiosyncrasies, his training, his emotions – even his ever-present mother.

It’s no surprise that the common viewer can quite easily understand what makes him so good. He puts in the effort, sets challenges, stays positive, and enjoys himself, his teammates, and his ability to represent the country (and really the global sport of swimming for that matter).

He also has the perfect swimmer’s body and continues to work on his strength and athleticism. For instance, he knew that he could put in work that would enable a more effective and explosive turn, so he initiated an intense strength and conditioning weight workout. His powerful force and technique off the wall is more evident than the Spanish basketball team’s reason for posing for a team picture in a potentially, politically slanted manner.

Other remarks we’ve heard or read about Phelps:

• Has the best mind of anybody else
• Maintains a bulletin board of motivational reminders
• The bigger the event, the bigger the performance
• Works harder than anybody else
• Wants to destroy competition
• Gets out and seizes the lead or puts it in cruise control and then blitzes by
• Wants to make a statement
• Sets high goals and wants to do something nobody has done before

Again, he is proof (it’s considered unsound to “prove” anything in psychological research, but Phelps gives me good reason and – ha – proves there is an exception) that the greatest of the greats are at that level because of their ridiculous mental toughness and head games. Tiger wants to demolish every one, every course, and will only call it quits when he can’t compete anymore. Jordan felt the same way – a couple times. Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Pete Sampras. Lance Armstrong. Brett Favre. Oh, right.

The most elite athletes are so focused, have picture perfect bodies for their sports, and train and play with a confidence of which others become jealous insofar as labeling the hardest workers arrogant or pompous. Phelps seems to be such an encouraging model for the cause of the elite. He enjoys setting new World, err Phelps, Records. He means something to his USA teammates, yet he also draws on their energies and their accomplishments. It’s stated best in The Australian:

Fellow Olympic gold medalist Aaron Peirsol said it was Phelps' mental strength that separated him from the rest.

"At this level I do believe it is more a mental game than it is anything and it takes a certain amount of guts to do what Michael is doing," Peirsol said.

"He has just pushed us and we have all pushed each other, what Michael is doing is elevating everybody else's performance."

Phelps is taking forward just one lesson from that relay race.

"Jason (Lezak) just proved that anything is possible," Phelps said. "He was a body-length behind the world record-holder with one lap to go in a 100m freestyle race, and he came back and got his hand on the wall first."

The impressiveness is astounding. It’s not like there is a defense out there, directly impeding his swimming stroke or holding his feet as he prepares to sprint towards the finish. In sports like swimming or gymnastics or golf, one’s own mind may act as a better "D" than even the Celtics’ championship curtain.

On the other hand, the thoughts one generates can truly help an athlete prepare and perform, rather than harass and halt. And we (sport psychologists commenting on the mental game, coaches, aspiring athletes, and the layperson) are lucky to be able to watch possibly the greatest athlete of all time give a master lesson in how to control one’s mind and behavior -- whether he wins three more gold medals or not, Phelps is the PROOFessor.

The Psychological Weight of a Nation

One could say it’s China versus Phelps. Although the nation of 1.3 billion is behind in the total count, it has earned 14 golds to the United States’ 10 (five of those attributed to the machine-like swimmer who is now the most decorated Olympic champion). But it’s the China determinism that is the other story, one that is semi-impressive and semi-unsettling.

The Chinese government is driven and believes it has created novel opportunities for its athletes to win the 2008 Games. The structures in place and the strategies the country’s officials established to screen potential athletes are intense. Future competitors and Olympic hopefuls are developed from a young age and the methods by which they are trained engender enormous expectations.

Focused? Yes. Fair? Not necessarily.

From a psychological perspective, the drive, regiment, and motivation are a plus. Both coaches and athletes need these elements in order to improve and become successful. So, far, the training culture is effective. Besides setting precedents (for instance, the gymnastics squads seizing gold), other sports have become highly competitive. China made efforts to analyze its limitations in various events and target athletes who can put them on the sporting map. Further, a great number of sport psychologists are on staff to provide balance and support individuals and teams, holistically.

Counseling professionals, though, also recognize the substantial strain and stress that has been placed, or forced, on many participants. Yao Ming was the perfect vision, the child of two great Chinese athletes, practically engineered to become the nation’s great hope. An ambassador of the game that is becoming the most popular sport in China, Yao has carried the weight with promise and dignity.

Others though, do not seem as fortunate or willing, especially those that claim the intensity is too tough, the training too harsh, and the expectations too high. When it comes to health being a factor and a possible life threat, the goal becomes compromised. Yet, many do not want to give up. There is pride involved. There is money at stake. There is a new identity in the horizon. The culture has infiltrated the minds of many and inflicted a workmanlike, militaristic, do or die attitude.

Overcoming adversity is one thing; winning at all costs another.

If Bela Karolyi’s accusations are valid -- that the Chinese women’s gymnastics team is violating rules with underage participants -- there is something much more disturbing occurring. Could China really be going that far? Does it not want to become victorious the honest way, through hard work and old-school coaching? Or is Bela simply bitter, not being able to be center stage on the floor and pressing his promise that it’s better to come from behind with no pressure?

Karloyi’s claim that it’s easier for the younger kids in gymnastics (suggesting the Chinese) to win because of their innocence and immunity to what the events truly signify is not entirely realistic. It’s true that fledgling flippers may have more fun and are naturally looser, but experience often comes out on top -- at least in other sporting events.

It appeared that the Chinese were the calm ones from the very first vault, while the Americans never relaxed or became comfortable as a unit. China was focused, hours and years of deliberate training and cultural influence having reassured the government’s dream. The USA, led by the courageous Alicia Sacromone, didn’t answer the call. The immense pressure to perform perfectly and guide her teammates to the gold was evident even before her team’s turn.

We’ll continue to observe the happenings of the Beijing Games and the grand design of the host territory. If China does indeed succeed it its plans through excessive workouts and secluded students, then, as the public states, the investment is worth it. If not, maybe China should adopt the agenda of the Panda caretakers who develop a bears’ self-esteem through coaching with caring and understanding.

Does Preparation Become Excessive Perspiration?

A tennis pro colleague of mine called to my attention Thursday’s Boston Globe article about Red Sox infielder Dustin Pedroia. For those of you who don’t know, Pedroia happens to be hitting extremely well these days. He also has a pre-game regiment that many major leaguers may not want to admit for fear of receiving an accusatory, “Why aren’t you doing that, too?”

The All-Star second basemen in Beantown thinks nothing of personal records or Manny-esque drama. Rather, he prepares for games with focus and a drive to enhance performance for the betterment of his team. And that mindset helps set him apart.

As does Ray Allen’s, although his pre-game plan borders on clinically obsessive-compulsive (see Jackie MacMullan’s April article). Think Nomar tightening and tapping in the batter’s box, only expand the scene to the entire day (check out Ray's itinerary from Men’s Fitness). Allen’s awakenings may cause some folks to fatigue just thinking about his schedule, one that specifies the type of bread and ounces of water he consumes after his 200 pre-team meeting warm-up shots.

Some players think nothing of their teammates’ rituals while others have joined in the action. But when does preparation to this extent become unnecessary? I suppose it’s really just up to the athlete (especially one who gets paid and has time to participate in long-winded activities that consume the entire day).

My long-time friend, Mike Gambelunghe, was a two-sport star in high school and college, and he would often go out to the field on game day mornings and visualize the action. He then proceeded to eat his favorite meals and watch game film. MIT All-American Jimmy Bartolotta wears his special shooting shirt, listens to his personal playlist on his iPod, and has other idiosyncrasies in his routine to create comfort as he prepares for basketball contests.

There is no exact equation for preparation, although production of a good sweat is key for getting the mental and physical juices flowing. As the body warms up, the mind warms up -- and as long as an athlete is gradually getting into the ideal competition zone, who can criticize?

Performing at the top entails understanding ones own limitations and cues – if an athlete can create a credible routine that works, then credit that person with a clap and a dap. Even if others believe it may be excessive.

Players want to be pushed. That is why they keep going back, day after day, putting themselves in a situation where they will be asked to run more, jump higher, and possibly be chastised in front of their peers. So, prepare to perspire. Just make sure it’s controlled and conducted in manners that minimize the chance of injury or other health issues.