“Don’t Be Stupid, Stupid!” Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques to Reduce Irrational Beliefs and Enhance Focus in a Youth Tennis Player

in Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Richard A. Sille Liverpool John Moores University

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Martin J. Turner Manchester Metropolitan University

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Martin R. Eubank Liverpool John Moores University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/cssep.2019-0018
Keywords:
distraction control; professional development; REBT; sport psychology; youth sport
In Print:
Volume 4: Issue 1
Page Range:
40–51
Restricted access

This case reports the intervention approach the first author adopted while working with a youth tennis player. The athlete held irrational beliefs and was struggling to maintain emotional control. The neophyte sport psychology practitioner adopted a cognitive-behavioral approach to practice. The intervention focused on (a) using rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to replace unhelpful beliefs about unforced errors with a new rational philosophy and (b) using a distraction-control plan to restructure the player’s thoughts and beliefs in relation to opponents’ perceived gamesmanship. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated through qualitative data from the athlete and his parents and the reflections of the practitioner. Feedback suggests that REBT and distraction-control plans can be effective in helping youth athletes manage their thought patterns and improve emotional control during competition. This case also demonstrates the importance of practitioners’ having a flexible and adaptable approach to practice—one that meets individual client needs.

Sille and Eubank are with the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Turner is with the Faculty of Health, Psychology, and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Sille (R.A.Sille@2017.ljmu.ac.uk) is corresponding author.
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