This Is Your Brain on Sports by L. Jon Wertheim and Sam Sommers Summary

This Is Your Brain on Sports explores the psychology and neuroscience behind athletic performance, examining phenomena like the "yips," rivalry dynamics, and impulse-driven actions. Authors L. Jon Wertheim and Sam Sommers introduce concepts like Sport Traumatic Stress Disorder (STSD) and the Brainspotting Sports Performance System, using case studies to show how past traumas impact athletes. The book blends science, anecdotes, and analysis of underdog triumphs and high-pressure decisions.

Athletes, coaches, sports psychologists, and casual fans seeking to understand mental blocks, performance anxiety, and the science of competition will find this book valuable. It’s also ideal for readers interested in behavioral psychology, offering insights into group dynamics, rivalry benefits, and decision-making under stress.

Yes—its engaging mix of neuroscience, real-world examples (like Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt), and accessible writing makes complex concepts relatable. Critics praise its exploration of how sports reveal universal human behaviors, though some note it occasionally prioritizes anecdotes over deeper analysis.

The “yips” stem from Sport Traumatic Stress Disorder (STSD), triggered by past traumas like injuries, failures, or humiliation. These experiences create neural pathways that resurface during pressure moments, causing performance blocks. The authors argue Brainspotting techniques can resolve these issues by addressing trapped trauma in the brain and body.

Rivalries push athletes to exceed limits through heightened focus and motivation. Examples like Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova show how competition fosters improvement. The book ties this to the brain’s “hot state,” where emotion-driven impulses enhance reaction times but can also lead to reckless decisions.

Developed by Drs. Grand and Goldberg, this method identifies and releases sports-related traumas stored in the brain-body connection. It uses visual focus points (“brainspots”) to reprocess negative memories, helping athletes overcome slumps, anxiety, and involuntary performance failures like the yips.

The “hot state” describes heightened emotional arousal (e.g., during a game-winning play), which sharpens instincts but impairs rational thought. PET scans show increased activity in emotion-processing brain regions, explaining impulsive actions like Mike Tyson biting an opponent’s ear. This state mirrors survival instincts but risks poor judgment.

• Zinedine Zidane’s 2006 World Cup headbutt, driven by “hot state” impulsivity.
• Baseball’s Steve Blass and Mackey Sasser, whose careers were derailed by STSD-linked yips.
• Underdog stories demonstrating how perceived disadvantages can fuel motivation.

Critics note sports’ tendency to excuse unethical behavior (e.g., cheating) when it benefits a team. The authors acknowledge this moral flexibility but argue rivalry and group loyalty often override rational ethics, reflecting broader societal biases.

Its lessons on stress management, overcoming mental blocks, and leveraging rivalry translate to business, relationships, and personal growth. The “hot state” concept explains irrational decisions in negotiations, while STSD parallels workplace burnout.

• “STSDs are the silent epidemic of performance blocks.”
• “Rivalry isn’t just about hate—it’s about mutual elevation.”
• “The yips aren’t a mystery; they’re a memory.”

Unlike purely clinical texts, it combines storytelling with science, making it more accessible than academic journals but less technical than specialized manuals. It’s ideal for readers seeking a bridge between pop psychology and rigorous research.