The Power of Rituals in High-Performance Sports

This chapter explores the rituals and habits of elite athletes, particularly baseball players like Wade Boggs and Nomar Garcia Parra, revealing how they cope with nerves and anxiety through structured routines. It discusses the psychological significance of these rituals, emphasizing their role in managing stress and asserting control during high-pressure situations. The conversation also draws parallels between the experiences of athletes and musicians, highlighting that even the most skilled performers rely on idiosyncratic behaviors to maintain focus and calmness.