Sport psychology is a branch of psychology. It is the study of the
psychological factors that affect participation and performance in
sports. It is also a specialization within the brain psychology and
kinesiology that seeks to understand psychological/mental factors that
affect performance in sports, physical activity, and exercise and apply
these to enhance individual and team performance. It deals with
increasing performance by managing emotions and minimizing the
psychological effects of injury and poor performance. Some of the most
important skills taught are goal setting, relaxation, visualization,
self-talk, awareness and control, concentration, confidence, using
rituals, attribution training, and periodization.