ASK THE DOCTOR
Tee's Weekly Sports Psychology Advice Column
With Dr. Rachel Enakmas
Dear Dr. Enakmas:
I am a 34-year-old soccer mother of seven and my oldest, Patrick, just recently missed a penalty kick to lose the county championship game. He seems to be taking it rather hard and he says he’s not even sure if he wants to sign up for indoor soccer this winter. He’s nine years old and I was wondering if you have any advice on what I should or shouldn’t tell him.
Molly McDonoughy, Chicago, IL
Molly,
Thanks for the question. Honesty is always the best policy in these situations. As I’m sure you know, at much younger age than nine they can tell if mommy and daddy are hiding something. Tell Patrick that there is no excuse ever, and I mean ever, ever, ever, for missing a penalty kick, especially with a title on the line. It is important to keep things in perspective, so it may help if you level set him with the knowledge that he will remember and regret that kick for every sane day of his life. Thanks again and let me know how it works out.
Dr. Enakmas
DOC, PLEASE HELP!!!
Last week was the worst week of my life. I haven’t made a three-foot putt in six months and it’s never been worse than the last three rounds. I truly believe that all I need is one great swing thought that I can use for these short putts. It all started in the middle of this summer when I stupidly said my swing thought out loud to a friend and thereby rendered useless. I might as well tell you what it was since it is no longer effective. Right before hitting the putt if I just thought the word "dogballs" and I made it every time. I knew I was going to make it and I drained everything I looked at. Please, I’m begging you, give me a solid swing thought.
Desperate
Salisbury, MD
Dear Desperate,
I am touched by your note as I am a golfer too. But also because I used "dogballs" myself from April of 1973 to Thanksgiving Day 1981. Oh, how I wish I could have it back. Feel free to use some of the other swing thoughts that I have used throughout my life. I have had the most success with "BBQFritos", "grundel", "denco", "nosedrip", "ribery", and most recently, "schweinsteiger". Keep writing, and swing hard.
Dr. Enakmas
Dear Dr. Enakmas,
I play Division III women’s basketball for a team that competes for the Division III Championship just about every year. Earlier in the season, while diving for a loose ball, I slid too far and into the leg of an opposing player. Her leg ended up breaking a lot. I’ve loved basketball since I was a little girl, but I just learned that the girl’s career is over and she’ll be lucky to walk without a limp. I haven’t been nearly as aggressive as I usually am because I’m scared I’ll hurt someone else. However, my passiveness is hurting the team and the coach says if I don’t play aggressively on Saturday, he is going to bench me. How can I prepare myself mentally to be physical, and should I feel bad for hurting the other player?
Genni Tallwohrts
Barren Creek, MD
Dear Genni,
Please let me know the talent level of the girl you hurt and if your team has a chance of playing hers again in the playoffs this year. I can not answer your question without the basics. Come on, Genni. You’re better than that. Use your head.
Dr. Enakmas
If you would like to have Dr. Rachel Enakmas answer your sports psychology question, please feel free to write to teesweekly@teesweekly.com