SUPERSTITIONAMONG ATHLETES

Define superstition

Superstition is a belief not logically related to the outcome, yet the person believes that it is.

Superstition can often turn into obsessive behavior.

Athletes tend to be superstitious, not obsessive.

Proof by Research

B.F. Skinner tested pigeons by giving them food in the same manner repeatedly.

The pigeons started doing the same head-turning routine every time they thought that they were going to get food.

They believed that turning their heads would produce a favorable outcome.

How it ties into athletics

Different sports have different superstitions used by many different athletes.

Almost all athletes have superstitions unique to themselves.

Golf

Many use the same golf ball markers for every single tournament.

Many think that it is unlucky to play with a golf ball with a number on it higher than 4.

Tennis

Some players believe that it is unlucky to hold more than 2 balls while serving.

Many players bounce the ball a certain number of times before serving.

Rafael Nadal

Turns water bottles toward the court before each match

Claims that he has no superstition

Jeff Stock

Got into a ski accident Carries around the “lucky” ski pole from

his accident in the trunk of his car and refuses to take it out

Also claims to not be superstitious

In summary:

Many athletes have superstitious habits. They may be as simple as bouncing a ball a certain number of times, but they still happen and are still believed to cause better luck.