“Practice is 90% physical and 10% mental, competition is 10% physical and 90% mental.”
–Mark Spitz, Olympic Golf medallist in swimming
Sport Psychology is the art and science of athletic performance enhancement. Assessment and intervention can occur on an individual, coach-athlete and/or a team basis. Athletes can improve their performance by developing the mental skills of elite athletes, understanding how their inner self-talk influences performance, managing emotions, and performance goal setting. Attention and focus improvement can also enhance performance. Sport psychology interventions can result in improved sport performance by way of a developing confidence, composure under pressure, consistent intensity, self-discipline, anticipation and decision-making skills, and a proper mental attitude. Imagery and relaxation techniques are often utilized.
Dr. Zito currently is a consultant to baseball, basketball, soccer and tri-athlete organizations. He provides services to the Pingry High School Athletic Department, Martinsville, NJ. Dr. Zito works with the women’s soccer and softball teams at Montclair State University. He also works with individuals requesting services.
Dr. Zito also has coaching experience with baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. He is a frequent guest on WDVR-FM as an expert on sport psychology. Dr. Zito has experience with collegiate, high school and youth athletes and teams.
Available Services
Athletes, have you ever wondered why you play inconsistently or tense up a critical moments. This often involves an ineffective psychological approach. Athletes can be trained to maximize performance through developing effective performance enhancement techniques. These techniques might include using positive self-talk, mental imagery and management of emotions. Recovery from injuries can also be addressed.
Coaches, have you ever been frustrated or wondered why you team doesn’t execute properly and/or plays without intensity. Well, it may have to do with their mental approach and/or team dynamics. Coaches can be assisted in developing practice techniques, pre-performance routines, team dynamics and relationships with players that that foster performance enhancement.
Parents, have you ever been perplexed about your child’s lack of improvement or wondered why your kids rarely take your athletic advice? These are common parent frustrations that can be dealt with by teaching parents how to facilitate athletic performance by understanding the needs of your child and how family relationships can affect performance. Dr. Zito is currently writing a chapter on this topic in the Handbook of Applied Sport Psychology due out in late 2009.
Workshops are available for players, coaches, parents and teams.