State what is meant by sport pyschology, and describe how sports pyschologists might an athlete who is experiencing anxiety

While coaches typically focus on the physical side of the sport, Sports psychologists focus on athletes' minds. Sports psychologists can help athletes — professionals and amateurs alike — achieve their goals.

Some athletes seek help from a sports psychologist or other exercise and sports psychology professional when they have a problem. They might become anxious or lose focus during a competition, for example.

They might have trouble communicating with teammates, controlling their temper or even just motivating themselves to exercise. Or they might choke at key moments during a game.

Sports psychology can even help people off the playing field. The same strategies that sport psychologists teach athletes — relaxation techniques, mental rehearsals and cognitive restructuring, for example — are also useful in the workplace and other settings.