If you are not playing well at a sport, the reason may sometimes be a fitness issue or a lack of technical skill. But all too often, it is a matter of psychology. Lack of confidence, nerves or lapses in concentration can all let you down at crucial moments.

The whole area of sports psychology has grown massively as an industry. In the 1970s and early 80s, the England cricket captain, Mike Brearley, was a trained psychoanalyst. Many coaches are valued for their motivational skills, and teams often use sports psychologists.

Using sports hypnotherapy can take things further, helping players who find that even conventional sports psychology isn’t working for them.

There are many good examples of successful sports stars using hypnotherapy:

• Tennis players like Andre Agassi and Jimmy Connors
• Golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods
• Australian pole vaulter Steve Hooker, who adopted visualisation techniques to help win the 2008 Olympic gold medal

How Did Hypnotherapy Help An England Cricket Legend?

Among the leading British sports stars to have used hypnotherapy is cricketer Sir James Anderson.

Anderson, whose career tally of 704 Test wickets is a record for a seam bowler, carried on playing for England into his 40s and his record improved with age.

This was not coincidental. In an interview last year, he revealed that when he was at the end of his 20s, a sports psychologist suggested he use hypnotherapy to remain calmer on the field and avoid “red mist” moments where he lost his temper and bowled badly.

As a result, a very talented bowler became a world-beater, with Anderson revealing he used hypnosis for around 2-3 years, during which time his performances “went through the roof”.

Whether it is about being calmer and avoiding angry moments, visualising success or ensuring concentration, sports hypnotherapy has been used successfully by some of the biggest stars in world sport. Could it help you get back to your A game?