In briefThe mental approach to sport is much more important than most athletes realize. Mental processes must be trained just as sports skills, and they take time to develop. Various methods for dealing with psychological problems that appear before, during, and after competitive events include relaxation techniques, mental preparation, and positive self-evaluation. Sport psychologists can help athletes improve the psychological processes associated with successful athletic performance, but few are available in the United States at this time because the field is new. However, physicians and trainers have contact with many athletes and can listen to and help them with these problems.