How to become a Sports Psychologist

India is a country that enjoys sports and there are sports like badminton, cricket, tennis played faithfully here. However, only a few people seem to take serious account of the mind game played in the sportspeople 's minds. Sport psychologists, who are enthusiastic and passionate about psychology as well as sports, are increasingly required in the country.Sports Psychology studies how diverse psychological aspects impact success, and how sport and exercise activities can affect multiple physical and psychological factors. The sports we see are not just a kinetics game or the muscles that are actively engaged to play the perfect shot. It is a game that is executed in the player's mind several times before hitting the actual ground.An individual who has won many times in his mind, in diverse ways, will most probably be the winner on the D-day. Also after a defeat, a true sportsman spirals back to practice, and this happens more when he has a sound mental state. A Sports Psychologist understands this type of psychology well and he or she assists the sportsman to attain the ideal state of mind.

• Communicate with consumers to help them gain perspective, identify goals and take action to achieve optimum success in the game
• Utilizing a range of treatment approaches, including psychotherapy, psychodrama, hypnosis, stress management therapy, behavior modification or play therapy
• Advise individuals and groups on issues like substance abuse, stress or family circumstances to alter behaviour, or develop social, financial or vocational adjustment
• Confer with clients about treatment problems
• Write customer reports and preserve necessary paperwork
• Confer with or consult other therapists, doctors or clinicians about patient care
• Obtain and research social, medical, psychological and family history by interviewing families, individuals or couples and examining documents
• Assess the efficacy of therapy or treatments and adjust treatment plans as and when required
• Create and execute individual treatment plans that define the therapy intensity, type, frequency and length
• Refer clients to other professionals, organizations or support services if required
• Maintain current research experience and knowledge
• Review reference sources, like manuals, textbooks or journals to recognise symptoms or improve treatment strategies
• Create, guide and engage in staff and student training programmes
• Observe clients at play to identify symptoms of intellectual weakness, irregular behavior or maladjustment
• Guide, organize and analyse the activities of staff and interns involved in evaluating and treating patients
• Offer administrative or psychological services and guidance about mental health interventions or individual cases to private organizations or government agencies

• This psychology arena is growing globally. In India, with millions of hearts aching to watch a sportsman play, pursuing this career is definitely a smart idea, as a sportsperson is under immense performance pressure.
• The sports psychologist uses a variety of techniques to aid the client and thus you should be proficient in at least 1-2 therapy techniques thoroughly and also know about others in general. Educating the client about the process, identifying the main issue of the client and utilizing the technique that will benefit the client most are some of the basic capabilities that you must possess.
• This occupation allows indigenous people to interact with the athlete who can better understand their requirements. Therefore, you need to possess developed communication abilities and active listening skills to gauge and understand the problems of the client better.
• The office of the psychologist makes many people uncomfortable. Being able to show empathy and help patients withdraw their minds from getting medical attention goes a long way in alleviating worries. Some of them are in severe agony or are afraid of the process in general, and so you need to be thoughtful of their emotions.

The salary of Sports Psychologists in India can vary depending on several factors, including their level of experience, qualifications, location, and the organization they work for. It's important to note that the sports psychology field is still developing in India, and the salary range may need to be revised in other well-established professions. However, here is a general overview:

• Minimum Monthly Salary: The minimum monthly salary of entry-level Sports Psychologists in India can range from around Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000. These approximate figures can vary based on the organization, location, and other factors.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: The maximum monthly salary of experienced and well-established Sports Psychologists in India can range from Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.3,00,000 or more. Sports Psychologists with significant experience, expertise, and reputation, particularly those working with professional sports teams, renowned organizations, or in private practice, may command higher salaries.
• Highest Paying Jobs and Scope : The highest paying jobs for Sports Psychologists in India are typically found in professional sports teams, national sports organizations, or reputed sports academies. These positions often come with higher salaries due to the required expertise and prestige associated with working with elite athletes. The scope for Sports Psychologists is expanding as the awareness and recognition of the importance of mental well-being in sports grows. The demand for qualified Sports Psychologists is expected to increase in professional sports teams, academies, sports medicine clinics, and educational institutions with sports programs.

• Jain University, Bengaluru
• Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
• Lady Doak College, Madurai
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong

Sports Psychologists can find opportunities in various industries and sectors related to sports, athletics, and performance. Here are some industries where Sports Psychologists may work:

• Sports Organizations: Sports Psychologists can be employed by professional sports teams, sports organizations, and sports leagues. They work directly with athletes, coaches, and teams to enhance mental skills, manage performance anxiety, and optimize mental well-being.
• Sports Academies and Training Centers: Sports academies and training centres often employ Sports Psychologists to provide mental skills training, psychological assessments, and counselling services to athletes of various levels. These organizations focus on talent development and performance enhancement.
• Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centers: Sports Psychologists may collaborate with sports medicine professionals and rehabilitation centres. They assist athletes in managing psychological aspects of injury recovery, motivation, and resilience during rehabilitation.
• Educational Institutions: Colleges, universities, and sports-focused educational institutions may employ Sports Psychologists to support student-athletes and teams. They provide counselling, mental skills training, and academic support to help athletes balance their sports commitments with their academic pursuits.
• Sports Consultancies: Sports consultancy firms and agencies may have Sports Psychologists as part of their team. They provide mental skills training, performance enhancement programs, and psychological support services to individual athletes, teams, and organizations.
• Research and Academia: Sports Psychologists can engage in research and teaching roles within academic institutions. They contribute to advancing knowledge in sports psychology through research studies, publishing articles, and teaching courses related to sports psychology.
• Private Practice: Sports Psychologists may establish their private practices, working with individual athletes, coaches, and teams on a consultancy basis. They provide personalized counselling, mental skills training, and performance enhancement services.