Podcast: Athlete superstitions can have a helpful role
Even professional athletes get nervous. One way for them to cope with the mental stress of sports is through superstitions and pre-game rituals. Recently, Washington State football coach Mike Leach said he didn't want his players watching sad or scary movies before a game. Why Sport Matters with Kenneth Shropshire is joined by reporter Ross Andrews who examines the impact of superstition, pregame ritual and coping with stress in athletics. Andrews spoke with former NFL punter Chris Kluwe and three-time Olympic gold medalist Wyomia Tyus about their personal experiences with rituals and Kristin Hoffner, professor of kinesiology and sports psychology at Arizona State University.