Sport Psychology in Film Collection

      In April 2001, Australia and American Samoa met in a qualifying match for the World Cup, which Australia won 31-0 in the most lopsided match in World Cup history. Next Goal Wins picks up 10 years later, when Thomas Rongen is essentially forced to take over coaching the team. Their only goal is for them to score a goal, which hadn't happened since the 31-0 rout. In only a few weeks, Rongen must adjust himself to the culture while preparing the team for their upcoming matches. Released 2023; Runtime 104 minutes Concepts Cultural Differences : Rongen must quickly adjust to life on the island -  but their slow speed limits, religiosity, and laid back approach to life are difficult for him to understand. Sexuality : One of the most prominent characters and captain of the team is Jaiyah , who became the first openly trans woman to compete in a World Cup match. Her non-binary status is initially not accepted by Rongen, but he eventually comes to understand. There ...

  Althea  is about the life and career of Althea Gibson , the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title. While she was one of the most dominant players of her time, a combination of racism and a lack of funding caused her to leave the sport just as she was reaching her peak. (This led her to take up golf, where she became the first African-American to compete professionally on the woman's tour). Despite her trailblazing successes, she was largely forgotten by the tennis world shortly after she retired. But she was not forgotten by everyone, and her friends and allies ensured that her legacy would be remembered. Released 2014; Runtime 83 minutes Concepts Cultural Differences : Althea was raised in Harlem, and raised to be tough and never back down. This was in stark contrast to many in the tennis world, who were not used to have an aggressive, attacking opponent. Economic Issues : Althea grew up poor, and while she was a successful tennis player, prize money was muc...

Glory Road  is about the 1965-1966 Texas Western University basketball team as they fought against racism in college basketball by regularly playing seven black players, which was unheard of at the time. Released 2006; Runtime 118 minutes Concepts Anxiety & Stress : The team experienced anxiety over playing in places that did not want them there. Cultural Differences : The team had to fit into a culture where having so many black players on the team was unusual. Race & Ethnicity Issues : Many people in the community felt uncomfortable about seeing so many black players on the court, and some were even mad that the team was successful with a predominantly black lineup.

Lagaan is takes place during a dry year when the British commanding officer doubles the tax (lagaan) on the Indian villagers in the province he rules. The villagers resist, and the officer challenges them to a game of cricket. If the villagers win, the lagaan is canceled for three years, but if they lose, the tax is tripled. A Bollywood classic. Released 2001; Runtime 224 minutes Concepts Cultural Differences : Each team has different "playing" styles, different dress, different values, etc. all of which are obvious; the commanding officer's sister helps the villagers and learns about their traditions; the players must also deal with an "Untouchable" who wants to join the team Attention & Focus : During the match, a couple players become too psyched up and lose their concentration, causing them to get out Leadership : Bhuvan (the protagonist) must convince his fellow villagers the cricket match is a good idea and recruit people to play; Bhuvan is ...

The Waterboy  is about the team waterboy (Bobby Boucher) who accidentally has his anger unleashed, turning him into a defensive maniac and a feared linebacker. However, if he wants to play football, he must keep it a secret from his mother who believes he is too delicate, while also overcoming academic adversity. Released 1998; Runtime 90 minutes Concepts Aggression &Violence : Aggression is displayed throughout the movie, usually unlocked by opposing team members and even his coach, which causes him to play better. Confidence : Bobby was picked on by players from both teams he worked for but failed to redeem himself due to a lack of confidence; His aggressive play leads him to feel more confident. Cultural Differences : Bobby's coach is invited over for dinner, and his mother says that he does not need to go to college; It is evident they have different standards and beliefs towards education. Imagery : In several instances Bobby uses images from his past to make...

True Blue  (also known as Miracle at Oxford ) is about the Oxford rowing team's rivalry with Cambridge. After a tough loss, the team argues over how to band together to come back and win again. Released 1996; Runtime 115 minutes

Wildcats  is about a white middle-class woman, the daughter of a legendary football player, who dreams of becoming a football coach. However, she is assigned to coach a black inner-city football team, presenting numerous difficulties. Released 1986; Runtime 106 minutes

Running Brave  is the story of Sioux Indian Billy Mills who won gold at the 1964 Olympics in the 10,000 meter race. Released 1983; Runtime 106 minutes

Rocky IV  continues the story of Rocky, this time as he boxes for his country against the Soviet Union's top fighter. Released 1985; Runtime 91 minutes

Remember the Titans  is based on the true story of a high school desegregating, meaning that the school and football team now contain both white and black students. Coach Boone, the team's first African-American coach, must unite a high school football team, share a common goal, and show that anything is possible. Released 2000; Runtime 113 minutes Concepts Coaching : The differences between the two coaches was evident; Coach Yoast was easier on the black players, while Coach Boone was tougher but fairer on all the players; Coaches showed everyone that they can become a family. Commitment : The two coaches had to stick by each other, even while other forces were pulling them apart; The players needed to make academics a greater priority so they could play. Team Cohesion : Worked through their differences during training camp. Cultural Differences; Race & Ethnicity Issues : The setting is after two schools are desegregated and integrated; Racism was still commonplace...

The Program  is the story of a college football team facing the pressure of winning and balancing life. The team has players from all walks of life, and they need a winning season so the program can survive. Released 1993; Runtime 112 minutes Concepts Aggression & Violence : Shown through the desire to win and one player's use of steroids, which caused him to become very angry and aggressive. Anxiety & Stress : There was a lot of pressure on the team to win, otherwise their program would be cut. Plus, the quarterback came from a family of alcoholics, so he was always on edge and nervous, and ultimately ended up going to rehab for drinking. Parents & Family : Girlfriends and families played a big role. Alvin wanted to get his family out of poverty, the QB wanted his family to support his playing, and the running backs were battling for a girl's heart and approval. Cultural Differences : The team was made of players with very different backgrounds and the...

Price of Glory  is about a father who pushes his three sons into boxing after he was cheated out of his own career. Released 2000; Runtime 118 minutes

Oxford Blues  is about an American competing for Oxford's prestigious rowing team in an attempt to win over the girl of his dreams. Released 1984; Runtime 97 minutes

The Endless Summer  is a documentary that follows two surfers as they journey around the world to pursue the perfect wave. Released 1966; Runtime 95 minutes Concepts Anxiety & Stress : The anxiety of the surfers and spectators is practically tangible in the scene where they are surfing in very dangerous waters. Commitment : This is evident by the patience and stamina of the surfers as they wait for hours at a time and travel long days in search of ideal wave conditions. Cultural Differences : As they travel the world, they encounter many different cultures they have not experienced before, which means they need to learn how to adapt to the unfamiliar environments they are in. Team Cohesion : The surfers work together to navigate dangerous wave conditions.

Chariots of Fire  is the story of two English runners who competed in the 1924 Olympics. Released 1981; Runtime 124 minutes

Brian's Song  is a heart-wrenching tale of friendship between Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo, who is fighting cancer. Released 1971; Runtime 73 minutes

The Boxer  is about a boxer who attempts to leave the Provisional Irish Republican Army after being released from prison. Released 1997; Runtime 113 minutes

Billy Elliot  is the story of a British lad who wants to be a dancer instead of a boxer, which is his father's dream for him. Released 2000; Runtime 110 minutes

The Bad News Bears  is about a little league team of misfits and their cranky coach. Released 1976; Runtime 102 minutes Remade 2005; Runtime 113 minutes

Hoop Dreams  is a documentary that follows two high school basketball players as they pursue their dream to play in the NBA. Released 1994; Runtime 170 minutes