{"id":1242,"date":"2020-12-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webinology.website\/nation2021\/the-most-important-quality-of-an-athlete\/"},"modified":"2021-11-03T12:52:31","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T16:52:31","slug":"the-most-important-quality-of-an-athlete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coachup.com\/nation\/articles\/the-most-important-quality-of-an-athlete","title":{"rendered":"The Most Important Quality of an Athlete"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"center\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><strong>THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY OF AN ATHLETE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"center\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><strong>Copyright 2020 <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"center\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"center\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><strong>By Phil Wright, Jr., B.A., J.D., CSCS, Track and Field Coach for Athletix Ultra<\/strong><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><strong>SM<\/strong><\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><strong>, USATF Certified Level 1 and Level 2 Coach, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"center\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">An athlete&#8217;s most important quality is the athlete&#8217;s psychological foundation. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">An athlete\u2019s psychological foundation consists of the athlete\u2019s psychological attributes that empower the athlete to manage the psychological challenges of competitive participation in sports. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Most of an athlete&#8217;s success depends on how well the athlete manages <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">those<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\"> psychological challenges. Regardless of the athlete&#8217;s physical ability, the athlete must first be able to master the psychological challenges of preparation and competition before <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">the athlete<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\"> can <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">produce<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\"> successful physical performance. For example, an athlete with impressive physical talent will struggle to succeed if the athlete lacks confidenc<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">e and is <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">unable to manage anxiety. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Similarly, an athlete who lacks motivation will struggle to produce <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">the athlete\u2019s<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\"> best performance. Effective sports psychology is among multiple factors related to coaching successful athletes, young and old alike. Like training and nutrition, sports psychology is an essential element to an athlete\u2019s success.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">C<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">o<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">aches should emphasize co<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">mponents of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">sports psychology in youth athletes to give athletes an early opportunity to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">develop a strong psychological foundation. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">This <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">can be <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">achieved<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\"> by <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">developing and enhancing confidence and motivation in youth athletes, and teaching<\/span><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">them <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">master the psychological challenges of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">competitive <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">participation. Participation in youth sports has become a widespread phenomenon in United States society. With the increase of youth athletes and youth sports programs, <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">emphasis on components of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">sports psychology in the context of youth sports has become increasingly important. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Confidence and motivation <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">are two crucial <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">components<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> of an athlete\u2019s psychological foundation and <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">contribute to <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">the<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> athlete\u2019s success. In order to achieve success, an athlete must believe that <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">the athlete <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">can perform the required task. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Confidence gives an athlete that belief and empowers the athlete to manage anxiety. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Similarly, an athlete must have adequate motivation to <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">produce the best performance<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Motivation is what inspires the athlete to perform. Without motivation, the athlete is not inspired to give the best effort. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Absent sufficient confidence <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">and <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">motivation, an athlete <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">will likely struggle to<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> succeed. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Accordingly, coaches should prioritize enhancement of their athletes\u2019 confidence and motivation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> Goal setting is a basic, but very effective method for enhancing confidence and motivation in youth athletes. Confidence and motivation have a close connection in the context of sports. As an athlete achieves goals, the athlete gains more confidence. Similarly, an athlete is more likely to be motivated if the athlete is confident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> Understanding the importance of goal setting, coaches and athletes should understand how to effectively set goals to enhance confidence and motivation, and ultimately success. In setting goals for athletes, Stephen Walker, PhD, author of <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><em>The Effect Sports Psychology Has On A Young Athlete<\/em><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">,<\/span> <span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">suggests specifying how much improvement is desired, and how to measure the improvement. For example, for a young track and field athlete, establish a specific distance in the long jump to achieve, or exceed, for the next track meet or for the current season. The improvement would be measured by the difference between the achieved goal distance and the previous distance. Walker also suggests setting goals that are challenging but attainable, and setting multiple goals to increase probability of attainment. Ultimately, setting multiple goals that the athlete can attain enhances the athlete\u2019s likelihood of reaching at least some goals. Reaching each goal is a form of success in and of itself, <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">which likely<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> enhance<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">s<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> the athlete\u2019s confidence and motivation, <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">and ultimately success<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Other methods that a coach can use to enhance confidence and motivation in an athlete include informing and reminding the athlete that the coach has confidence in the athlete. Confidence can be contagious. Athletes look to their coaches for direction and guidance in many aspects of sports and competition. In healthy coach-athlete relationships, the athlete typically perceives the coach as an expert and trusts the coach. Accordingly, coaches can have a strong influence on their athletes. Because of the expertise and trust in the coach, the athlete is likely to develop confidence if the athlete believes that the coach has confidence in him or her. Additionally, a coach\u2019s expression of confidence in the athlete is likely to motivate the athlete to perform well in an effort to validate the coach\u2019s confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">A confident athlete is typically a motivated athlete. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">C<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">onfidence and motivation are <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">crucial to an athlete\u2019s psychological foundatio<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">n, which is <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">essential<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"> in achieving success, <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">and the athlete\u2019s most important quality<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">As previously stated, c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">o<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">aches should emphasize co<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">mponents of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">sports psychology in youth athletes to give athletes an early opportunity to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">develop a strong psychological foundation. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">By developing a strong psychological foundation, athletes can learn <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">to <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">master the psychological challenges of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">competitive <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">participation in sports <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">and increase their likelihood of success<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: normal;\">. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">Be <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">c<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">onfident, Be <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">c<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">ompetitive, Be <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">c<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">lutch!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><strong>REFERENCE SOURCES:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"left\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><em>The Effect Sports Psychology Has On A Young Athlete<\/em><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">, Stephen Walker, PhD, Podium Sports Journal, www.podiumsportsjournal.com, April 18, 2008.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"left\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\" align=\"justify\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\">This article is a derivative work from <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><em>Sports Psychology: Confidence And Motivation For Successful Youth Athletes, <\/em><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-style: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal;\">Phil Wright, Jr., B.A., J.D., CSCS, Team Ohio Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 1<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: Stoke, serif;\"><span style=\"font-style: normal;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal;\"> (The author of this article owns the copyright).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY OF AN ATHLETE Copyright 2020 &nbsp; By Phil Wright, Jr., B.A., J.D., CSCS, Track and Field Coach for Athletix UltraSM, USATF Certified Level 1 and Level 2 Coach, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist &nbsp; An athlete&#8217;s most important quality is the athlete&#8217;s psychological foundation. An athlete\u2019s psychological foundation consists of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":1243,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-running"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Most Important Quality of an Athlete - CoachUp Nation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/www.coachup.com\/nation\/articles\/the-most-important-quality-of-an-athlete\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Most Important Quality of an Athlete - CoachUp Nation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY OF AN ATHLETE Copyright 2020 &nbsp; By Phil Wright, Jr., B.A., J.D., CSCS, Track and Field Coach for Athletix UltraSM, USATF Certified Level 1 and Level 2 Coach, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist &nbsp; An athlete&#8217;s most important quality is the athlete&#8217;s psychological foundation. 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