Sport Psychology in Film Collection

    Rush  is based on the real life rivalry of Niki Lauda and James Hunt , two legendary F1 drivers who competed in the 1970s. Despite their rivalry and opposing personalities, the two respected each other and pushed the other to perform at their very best, culminating in an incredible battle for the 1976 F1 championship. But that battle almost never happened as Lauda experienced a horrific accident that nearly killed him. His remarkable recovery only fed into the drama that would unfold the rest of the championship year. Released 2013; Runtime 123 minutes Concepts Imagery : James Hunt uses imagery to help him prepare for upcoming races. The movie depicts him using imagery, intersplicing Hunt practicing with his steering wheel at home while speaking what he would do at each stage of the race with visuals of what he would be imagining. Hunt credits this as an important form of preparation. Injury & Illness : While racing under poor conditions, Niki Lauda is injured in...

23 Blast  is about a high school football star, Travis, who suddenly loses his sight. Throughout the movie we see Travis struggle and adjust to his new lifestyle and fight his way back onto the field. Released 2014; Runtime 98 minutes Concepts Disability : Travis is faced with an unexpected disability, becoming blind, and learning how to live and play football with that disability. Motivation (Extrinsic) : Travis wants to prove those doubting him that they are wrong. Motivation (Intrinsic) : Travis also wants to prove to himself that he can play football and still feel the same satisfaction he once did from playing. Parents & Family : His parents play a huge role in helping him adjust to his new lifestyle and are supportive of the decisions he makes. Sportsmanship : The rest of his team helps Travis adjust and reach his goals on and off the field.

Trophy Kids  follows families in four different sports (football, basketball, golf, tennis) who are pushing their kids to succeed. But what are the kids playing for: their own dreams, or someone else's dream? This documentary takes an honest look at how sport parents can go wrong. Released 2013; Runtime 107 minutes Concepts Parents & Family; Youth Sport : The entire documentary is about the state of youth sport and overbearing parents; Fascinating look at how well-intentioned people can push their children in counter-productive and negative ways. Motivation (Extrinsic) : Many of the parents talk about their children obtaining a scholarship, playing professionally, living up to their expectations, etc., but rarely is anything intrinsic cited as a reason for playing. Anxiety & Stress : It is clear that the kids are stressed out by the forceful and negative parenting.

Cinderella Man  is about a boxer in New York City during the 1930s who must battle poverty and the loss of his career. He receives a new opportunity to prove himself in the ring and to save his family from the cruelty of the Great Depression. Released 2005; Runtime 144 minutes Concepts Anxiety & Stress : This is shown before the final fight as Braddock is afraid of dying; He also worries about providing for his family after breaking his hand. Injury & Illness : An injury forces Braddock to lose his only steady source of income and must struggle with the challenges of a broken hand. Economic Issues : The movie takes place during the Great Depression, when poverty was rampant. Motivation (Extrinsic) : During a fight, Braddock has a vision of his family starving which pushes him to gain the strength he needs to win the fight; He also takes on extra shifts at work to sustain an income. Peak Performance : Towards the end of his fights, Braddock clearly gets into a ...

Miracle  is about a coach, Herb Brooks, who embarks on a mission to assemble the perfect hockey team to beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympic Winter Games held in Lake Placid, New York. The team goes through some initial growing pains, but soon comes together to attempt the seemingly impossible task of beating the best hockey team in the world. Based on a true story. Released 2004; Runtime 135 minutes Concepts Commitment : Herb Brooks talks about commitment multiple times in the film, notably when he tells them they can't win on talent alone, that whoever doesn't give 100% won't make the team, and that they need to give more if they are going to beat the Soviets. Inspirational Moments : Prior to the semi-final game against the USSR, Coach Brooks gives the famous "Great moments...are born from great opportunity" speech. Leadership : Mike Eruzione shows his leadership when he tells Herb Brooks that he plays for the USA after they had been made to s...

Run, Fatboy, Run  is about Dennis Doyle, who left Libby at the alter due to mounting pressures of being a husband and father. Now Libby has a new boyfriend who is everything Dennis is not. Motivated to win back Libby's respect, his goal is to run a marathon alongside the antagonist Whit. Released 2007; Runtime 100 minutes Concepts Attributions : Dennis attributes his failures to external, stable, and out-of-control variables. Confidence : Dennis walks around the whole movie slumpy until the very end, while Whit is a very proud and confident person. Goal Setting : Dennis sets his goal of finishing the marathon and earning back the respect of Libby and his son Jake. Imagery : During the marathon, Dennis hits the "runner's wall" and envisions himself breaking through a real wall, recalling images of past moments. Motivation (Extrinsic) : Dennis is motivated by various other characters throughout the movie, such as making a bet with friends, being chased w...

The Rookie  is about Jim Morris, who pitched in the minors, but after injuring his arm and having multiple surgeries, he became a science teacher and baseball coach in a Texas high school. After a bet with his team he found himself at an MLB tryout and at 35 years old attempts a childhood dream. Released 2002; Runtime 127 minutes Concepts Coaching : Jim Morris is a high school coach, so there are several examples of him coaching throughout the movie. Confidence : Jim pitches batting practice to the team, and once they start hitting off him, they have the confidence to hit any pitcher they face. Pursuing Your Dream : His childhood dream was to pitch in the MLB, which is the dream he is now chasing again. Injury : He was drafted young, but after injuring his arm, he had to give up his pitching career and his chance at making it in the big leagues. Motivation (Extrinsic) : The bet between Jim and his team give the team extra motivation to win the championship, whil...

The Longest Yard  is about former popular professional quarterback Paul Crewe who is sent to prison. He decides to create a makeshift team of inmates to face off against a team of prison guards in a game of football. Released 1974; Runtime 121 minutes Remade 2005; Runtime 113 minutes Concepts for 2005 release Aggression & Violence : Both the inmate and guard teams are extremely aggressive towards each other when playing. Coaching : Paul coaches the inmates despite many of them not knowing much about football. Motivation (Extrinsic) : Paul uses a variety of tactics to motivate his team, but none is more motivating then the mean prison warden. Substance Abuse : A major alcohol problem at the beginning of the movie was the reason the quarterback was imprisoned. Team Cohesion : The inmates helped each other in many ways to pull off the win against the prison guards. Underdogs : The inmates' football team is clearly the underdog in the movie;...