Miracle Movie Psychological Analysis

Miracle – Final Assignment In our current society, sports are everywhere. Sporting events are continually on television. Additionally, there are competitive games at fields and courts all around cities and towns in the United States. Most individuals are fans of at least one sport, while others are either devoted sport enthusiasts or competitive players. The emphasis and attention on sports has increased significantly over the years. For many athletes, this places pressure on them to succeed and win at every level of sport from Little League to the World Series. As this pressure increases, so does the need for sports psychology and improved confidence, focus, and motivational techniques in athletes at every level.
The movie Miracle exemplifies …show more content…
One of the most important preparations is an athlete’s confidence. Self-confidence is “belief in one’s powers and a state of assurance exuded by every great athlete, such as Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Clemens, Wayne Gretzky, Nadia Comaneci, and Serena Williams” (Leith, 2008, p. 18). These great athletes all believe in their skills and abilities, which is considered a good thing in competitive sports. Confidence, many times, is the difference between being a good athlete or the best athlete, the difference between failure and …show more content…
Motivation is the “reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way, or the desire to do specific things” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Therefore, motivational strategies are methods or plans of action that help to achieve these specific things. Herb Brooks was an incredible leader and an amazing motivator for this team, even though at first, his methods were questioned. He trained the players and motivated them to work as a team. In one particular instance, Brooks brought in an extremely talented hockey player while he was trying to cut the team to a roster of twenty. The players who had practiced diligently for weeks were upset and concerned. Several of the players confronted him, asking why he had brought in this player after they had been working hard for months. Brooks listed the player’s skill and abilities, but the players told him they were family. Brooks asked them if this was the team that wanted to play together. As they answered yes with conviction, Brooks sent the talented player home. Probably one of the best motivational speeches was the one Brooks gave before the United States-Soviet Union Olympic hockey game where he declared “Great moments are born from great opportunities. Tonight we are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players – every one of ya. You were meant to be here. This is your time…Now get out there and take it” (Miracle). This speech not only