Pole Vault Psychology

[IAmTheWalrus]

I recently read an article about Steve Hooker (below) which said that he utilized Hypnotherapy and sports psychology to get over his "fear of pole vaulting," which is something that I have definately gone through, and I'm sure many of you have too. My questions, however, are first to ask if anyone has tried this and gotten similar results, and second, where can someone, who is not living on a pro athlete's salary utilize such services when living in Ellicott City, MD. Are there books or techniques, or some cheap sports psychologists around here. Wha'da'ya got.

[IAmTheWalrus]

Here's the article http://www.monstersandcritics.com/sport ... r_hypnosis

[powerplant42]

I know of nothing of the sort here in EC.

[BethelPV]

Mind Gym is a book that could be utilized by you! Mark Hollis and I have read that book and really liked it! You can buy it at your local Barnes & Noble or Borders bookstores!

[GiVaulter09]

Has anyone had success with this book? I'm thinking about picking a copy up after having some mental problems lately.

Thanks,

[bel142]

Many people probably do not have the same access to facilities and staff that a university student does. BUT, if you are in school and they have a Kinesiology department, or an exercise sport studies field, there will probably sport psychologists around teaching classes, and they may be open to talking w/ you.

Some athletic departments such as Penn State have a full time sport psychologist available to their athletes. If they are a clinical psychologist, they can be very good.

A good book that may help, or it may screw you up.... Text book... Kind of a dry read, but it is packed full of goodies.

"sport psychology: performance enhancement, performance inhibition, individuals, and teams By Nicholas T Gallucci".

Published 2008, by psychology press
720 Madison Avenue, Newyork, NY 10016
www.psypress.com

[vault3rb0y]

Mind Gym is a good one, as long as you use the tools that are in it. It does no good to read about how to succeed mentally in the vault if you don't actually follow through with their ideas! Hypnotherapy works by allowing your mind to relax enough to accept certain ideas given to you while in that relaxed state. If you mind can accept the thoughts as truths for even a little minute, it can go a long way with building the confidence. However, getting into that state takes some knowledge of how to relax and what things you need said to you. Come up for a meet at PSU and i'll give you my copy of the book .

[EIUvltr]

I recommend being like Kyle Ellis and just have Tim McMichael and Joe Dial train you from the age of 10 to plant with the fury of the gods

[GiVaulter09]

Haha I was actually talking to you today. I vault for Binghamton now.

Adam

[achtungpv]

There was a Harvard psychologist/ex vaulter who produced a set of audio tapes specifically for pole vaulters back in the 80s. No idea what his name was or if any copies still exist. I remember seeing the ad for them in Track Technique back then and wishing I had a copy!

[vault3rb0y]

Hey Gi vaulter, haha are you guys come back for syke sabock?

Jason

[GiVaulter09]

No that was the only time we're at PSU.

Adam