Monday, January 28, 2008

New York Giants: The Psychology of How Underdogs Approach the Super Bowl

Todd M. Kays, Ph.D.

Sport Psychologist

Athletic Mind Institute

614-561-4483 ? cell

614-874-0178 ? office

drkays@athleticmindinstitute.com

It is clearly apparent in all media outlets throughout the world that the New York Giants are underdogs in the Super Bowl. So why even play the game if New England is such a lock on winning? I am sure the New York Giants feel differently about their possibilities to be victorious, even though they realize themselves to be underdogs. So what exactly do the Giants mentally need to do as they face the undefeated team in the northeast? Let?s explore this David and Goliath phenomenon where most people like to see the underdog come out on top.

1. Embrace the Underdog Status

From a psychological perspective, it is many times better to enter big games being the underdog. This takes pressure off the Giants and allows them to perform in their best possible manner. Pressure and stress on the Patriots can create muscle tension and a decrease in focus, resulting in poorer performance. The New York Giants should be grateful to be the underdog.

2. Expectations Create Pressure . . . on the Patriots

The expectation to win is clearly on the Patriots. This means pressure. There is much less pressure on the Giants ? if they lose, all expectations are met, and life goes on. If New York wins, most football fans takes pleasure in the fact that the underdog overcame the odds. The Patriots, on the other hand, will get blasted about losing the most important game of the season. Their undefeated season will fades in the blink of an eye. Again, it is better to be the underdog.

3. Create a Chip on Your Shoulder

There is nothing more dangerous than talented athletes with a chip on their shoulder. The Giants have proven a lot in the past weeks, but are still only receiving limited respect simply because of the power of the Patriots? season. All praise to the Patriots ? they do deserve it. The Giants, however, can use this lack of respect as a motivation to prove everyone wrong. This ?chip? is a great motivator and initiator of mental sharpness, especially for professional athletes with large egos.

4. Focus on Gameplan

The Super Bowl is a time of many distractions. The New York Giants need to insulate themselves from as many of the distractions as possible. Let the media and fans believe what they want, but keep doing the work ? the winner will be the one who executes best on that day, regardless of what has been believed and said up to that point in time. Freedom from distraction increases dramatically the chances for optimal execution. With both teams so closely matched in skills, it will come down to execution. Who will execute better? The team who possesses the greater focus.

5. Do Not Get Mad, Get Even

All underdogs need to spend time skillfully and mentally preparing for execution, not on expressing anger at the lack of respect. It is wasted energy and the Giants have no control over other people?s perceptions or thoughts. Respect is earned by actions, not words. Giants can use their actions and status as underdogs to quiet the majority crowd. Getting angry causes a lack of focus, getting even raises it!