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Sport and Competition
From schoolyard chants to Super Bowl championships, playful competition finds its way into nearly all aspects of culture. Fighting to win draws on cooperation, concentration, coordination, and creativity--things worth striving for in their own right. That's why sports are more than just fun and games.
Here we offer commentary on what leads to greatness (whether on the playing field or the chess board), why we care who wins, and how to achieve your personal best. On your marks!
Sport and Competition Tests
The Latest on Sport and Competition
Why is so much emphasis placed on being #1?
by John Tauer, Ph.D.
Why the return of a regressive fantasy?
by Prudence Gourguechon, MD
Reality shows are a different kind of sport.
by Sascha Rothchild
How the hell do football players communicate so intimately?
by Stanton Peele
Preparing players for the exploitation of fame
by Ken Eisold, PhD
Why “What if’s” do more harm than good
by John Tauer, Ph.D.
Racial Revisionism, Sport and Unpopular Popular Culture
by Lawrence Rubin, Ph.D.
Mental Skills for Everyday Athletes
by Luis G. Manzo, PhD
Harness the power of adrenaline. It can help you cope.
by David F. Swink
Sport and Competition Blogs
The Edge: Peak Performance Psychology
Essentials of optimal performanceBy Kate F. Hays, Ph.D.-
Fair Catch
Exploring life lessons children can take away from sports.By Steven Ungerleider, Ph.D. -
Goal Posts
Commentary on the complex relationships between motivation, performance, competition, cooperation, and goals.By John Tauer -
The Playing Field
Sport and Culture Through the Lens of ScienceBy Steven Kotler -
The Power of Prime
The cluttered mind uncluttered.By Jim Taylor, Ph.D. -
Psychology of Sport
From the games of youth to the big leaguesBy Richard Ginsburg -
View From The Dugout
A College Coach's PerspectiveBy Brian Tompkins -
The Winning Athletes
Confessions of a competitive mind.By Richard Lovett and Holly Hight -
Your Mind Rules Your Feet
Mental skills for the everyday athleteBy Luis G. Manzo, PhD
Current Issue
Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences
How early life experiences shape our character.











