Gymnastics Psychology—The Ultimate Guide for Coaches, Gymnasts and Parents

Standing the test of time, "Gymnastics Psychology" is the ultimate reference guide which holds the keys to the challenges of working with young people in gymnastics. For the first time, an entire collection of papers on "Gymnastics Psychology" by Drs. Joe Massimo and Sue Massimo, is available to athletes, coaches, and parents across the globe. Whether you are a beginning competitor or Olympian, coach or gym owner, judge or parent, you'll find the answers to many of your questions and the keys to realizing one's peak potential in the sport of gymnastics.
Are You Ready to Improve Your Gymnastic Performances?
Do You Want to Enhance Your Coaching Skills?
Are You Concerned about Your Involvement in Your Child's Athletics?
If you answered "YES" to any of the questions above, then "Gymnastics Psychology" holds the keys to unlocking the potential to your success.
"Gymnastics Psychology" takes a comprehensive look at the factors that are necessary for training champions while emphasizing concern for the athlete's psychological status, regardless of the level of achievement. The easy-to-follow articles cover the interpersonal relationships of coaches and athletes, psychological issues pertaining to motivation and fear management, meet preparation and goal setting, as well as vital family, school and peer relationships.
"Gymnastics Psychology" is understandable and expertly captures the excitement of the field while explaining basic concepts and principles while showing how they can be applied in the gymnastic setting. So, whether you are a coach, gymnast, or parent, this collection of articles by the authors provides you with definitive insight in the areas of psychological development and competitive behaviors that are critical to success.

Dr. Joe Massimo began his career in gymnastics in the 1950’s and has remained active in the sport as a competitor, judge, clinician, and coach to both men’s and women’s teams. After receiving his Doctorate from Harvard in Clinical and School Psychology, he was the first psychologist to be appointed to a United States National Coaching Staff. He has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs Sports Medicine Council and the USA Gymnastics Region VI as well as being appointed to the USA Gymnastics National Athlete Wellness Network as a Sport Psychologist. Dr. Massimo’s clinical work in psychology has been published in every major journal in the U.S. and has published articles and books about psychology and gymnastics for the past 30+ years. He has appeared on Boston’s WGBH and in the Boston Globe and continues to coach, lecture, host competitions and clinics for gymnasts, their parents, and coaches across the nation.

Dr. Sue Massimo received her Doctorate from Boston University in Sport Psychology and Human Movement while conducting several research studies on the psychological attributes of young competitive gymnasts. She was a competitor, judge, clinician, and team coach for both women’s and men’s gymnastics as well as elite gymnasts. As an assistant to the Sports Medicine Council of the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs working with the National Junior Elite Development Program, she served as a Sport Psychology Clinician providing psychological skills training to junior elite gymnasts as well as informative sessions for their parents and coaches. As a published author, her research and insightful articles have appeared in a variety of magazines, books, and journals.