Over the next few weeks, many of us will be watching the NCAA basketball tournament and several major PGA tournaments. We all have our favorite teams and players but come to understand that their success will rely on confidence as much as it does on talent.
Those who participate in sports as individuals (golf, tennis, etc.) often go on long winning or losing streaks; in both cases, confidence (or lack thereof) plays a significant role. In team sports, confidence (or lack thereof) seems to be contagious, usually triggered by the performance (and mindset) of the star player(s).
Good coaches instill confidence as much as they teach fundamentals and techniques. But, in the end, confidence is a fragile trait and the outcome of major sporting events tends to reflect its presence or absence.
See also: Advantage: Underdogs
