WorksheetsMind Gym Reading 8 questions
Total questions: 99
Worksheet time: 50mins
What is generally less disastrous than indecision, according to Bernhard Langer?
A) A quick decision
B) A wrong decision
C) No decision
D) A delayed decision
What did Vijay Singh's son, Qass, pin to his dad's golf bag?
A) "Poppa, trust your swing."
B) "Poppa, win the game."
C) "Poppa, you're the best."
D) "Poppa, play confidently."
What does Harvey Penick say about muscles if there is doubt in your mind?
A) They will be more efficient
B) They will know what to do
C) They will not know what they are expected to do
D) They will become stronger
Who is known for saying it's better to be decisive than right?
A) Bernhard Langer
B) Harvey Penick
C) Vijay Singh
D) Scott Hoch
During the 1990 Masters sudden-death playoff, what did Scott Hoch do before his final putt?
A) He asked for advice
B) He took another look at the hole
C) He changed his putter
D) He celebrated prematurely
According to Chi Chi Rodriguez, what should an athlete do under stress instead of speeding up?
Read the scorecard and take more time to read the hole
Practice their swing repeatedly
Focus on the competition
Take a quick decision
What did Ben Crenshaw do when Hoch took a long time before putting?
He offered advice
He started counting
He screamed
He shook his head in disbelief
What is the key message Martina Navratilova conveys about concentration?
It is innate and cannot be learned
It should be reserved for matches only
It comes naturally without practice
It should be practiced just like physical skills
According to the text, what leads to the unconscious habits of success?
Avoiding practice
Conscious practice of routines
Doubting oneself
Intellectual confusion
What does Sandy Koufax suggest is better than throwing a pitch with doubt?
Throwing a pitch with confidence, even if it's poor
Not throwing the pitch at all
Asking for a timeout
Consulting with the coach
What is a routine according to the text?
A series of random actions without a specific purpose.
A regular activity that is under your control and has a purpose.
A set of actions based on superstition.
A way to keep the mind constantly analytical.
What should a golfer do before taking a shot according to the text?
Focus on the target and enter a thinking mode to analyze and develop strategy.
Immediately swing at the ball without thinking.
Keep the mind analytical and full of doubts.
Engage in superstitious rituals to ensure success.
What is the purpose of routines in sports as mentioned in the text?
To maintain a high level of superstition among players.
To serve as comforting mechanisms and triggering mechanisms.
To distract players from the game.
To make players constantly question their actions.
What should a player do once they have decided how to play the shot?
Keep analyzing the strategy and doubt their decision.
Step up to the ball and switch from the thinking mode to the trusting mode.
Continue to think and swing at the same time.
Focus on their superstitions and rituals.
What happens if there are doubts in a player's mind during an action?
The player performs better under pressure.
The muscles know exactly what to do.
The doubts have no effect on the player's performance.
The muscles won't know what to do.
What event did Ben Crenshaw attend the day before the opening round of the Masters in 1995?
A) A sports training session
B) A friend's birthday party
C) The funeral of Harvey Penick
D) A basketball game
How did Ben Crenshaw describe his play during the week of the Masters in 1995?
A) He played nervously and with a lot of thinking.
B) He played by instinct the whole week.
C) He played poorly and without confidence.
D) He played with mechanical precision.
According to the text, what is Michael Jordan's perspective on special moments in sports?
A) They are a result of luck and chance.
B) They are a reward for years of hard work and preparation.
C) They are inexplicable and happen by grace.
D) They are a result of mechanical training.
How many years had it been since Ben Crenshaw's last win at the Masters before his win mentioned in the text?
A) Three years
B) Eleven years
C) Six years
D) Nine years
What did Ben Crenshaw do when the final putt fell during the Masters mentioned in the text?
A) He shook hands with his opponent.
B) He raised his arms in victory.
C) He bent over and hid his face in his hands and wept.
D) He gave a speech about his performance.
What is the Japanese term for 'no mind' that is used by Japanese baseball players to describe the feeling of being in the zone?
Mushin
Zen
Kanshin
Seishin
Which tennis star referred to being in the zone as 'playing in the zone'?
Andre Agassi
Roger Federer
Arthur Ashe
Pete Sampras
Who was the former NFL player that said 'The zone is the essence of the athletic experience'?
Joe Montana
Jerry Rice
Dave Meggyesy
Walter Payton
Yuri Vlasov, the former world champion Russian weightlifter, described the 'zone' experience as reflecting the soul of a poet at what time?
During his training
While competing
When he wasn't training
After retirement
What did Charles Barkley achieve in a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors?
He scored 56 points
He made 11 field goals in a row
He made a game-winning shot
He broke a scoring record
According to Byron Scott, what can you hear when you're in the zone?
The crowd cheering
A little voice inside you telling you to 'shoot'
The coach's instructions
The sound of the ball bouncing
What did Jim “Catfish” Hunter say about not worrying during his perfect game?
I was worried about every pitch.
I wasn’t worried about a perfect game going into the ninth.
I was completely focused on the outcome.
I thought about it the whole time.
At what age did Tiger Woods start working with a sports psychologist to use hypnosis to block out his conscious mind and to strengthen his resolve and focus?
At age 10
At age 13
At age 15
At age 18
According to the text, what is NOT a characteristic of athletes when they are in the zone?
They see everything with clarity.
They are relaxed and perform with a quiet mind.
They are worried about what is going to happen.
They are totally absorbed in what they are doing.
Which of the following statements reflects the concept of "the zone" as described in the text?
The zone is a state of confusion and doubt.
The zone is a reward for hard work and preparation.
The zone is achieved by focusing on the outcome.
The zone is a state of heightened anxiety.
What does the text suggest about trying to get into the zone?
The harder you try, the easier it is to enter the zone.
The zone comes naturally without any effort.
The harder you try, the further away you get from the zone.
The zone is not related to how hard you try.
What is the metaphor used by Johnny Bench to describe slumps in the text?
A roller-coaster ride
A hard pillow
A soft bed
A muddled zone
What was Rick Wilkins' performance like after the author's talk with the Chiefs team?
He continued to struggle at the plate.
He hit a first-inning home run.
He missed the talk due to a dental appointment.
He failed to score in 115 games.
According to the text, what did the local newspaper headline say about Wilkins after the game?
Cubs Shrink Helps Phenom Out of Slump.
Cubs Catcher Misses Talk Due to Dental Appointment.
Cubs Phenom Can't Hit the Broad Side of a Barn.
Cubs Lose Despite Wilkins' Effort.
What does the author compare an athlete's performance peaks and valleys to?
A soft bed
A roller-coaster
A zone
A barn
What was the outcome of the Tennessee football team's game against an Alabama team coached by Bear Bryant, as mentioned in the text?
Tennessee won 24-0.
Alabama won with a score in 115 games.
The game ended in a tie.
Tennessee lost despite intercepting eight passes.
Who won the 1991 British Open before going into an extended slump?
Dave Henderson
Yogi Berra
Ian Baker-Finch
Richie Zisk
What did a veteran teammate suggest to a rookie who was in a slump?
To take a break from playing
To switch to a twenty-nine-ounce bat
To practice more often
To change teams
According to Yogi Berra, what keeps his confidence up?
Ignoring the slump
Blaming himself
Keeping busy with other tasks
Carrying a lighter bat
What analogy did Billy Williams use to describe a slump?
A traveling illness
A mechanical glitch
A heavy burden
A bad weather day
What does the Peanuts cartoon suggest about thinking too much during a slump?
It helps you focus on the problem
It can make the problem worse
It is necessary for recovery
It has no effect on performance
What is the result of overthinking, according to the former ballplayer's words?
It helps to avoid slumps
It leads to over-trying
It improves concentration
It makes you more relaxed
What did Cory Snyder suggest is the result of starting to press instead of letting things happen naturally?
Improved performance
Increased focus
Negative thoughts floating through the mind
Better long-range shooting
What was the advice given to the NBA player to combat his slump?
To work longer and harder in practice
To take a break and relax with his family
To focus on media scrutiny
To change his shooting technique
According to Karl Kuehl, what should a hitter concentrate on?
The number of hits or runs he drives in
The outcome of the game
What he can control during at-bats
The opinions of the media
What does a quality at-bat mean according to the text?
Hitting a home run
Relaxing, seeing the ball well, and being patient
Focusing on the score
Trying to hit the ball as hard as possible
What is the key to overcoming a slump, as mentioned in the text?
Working harder and increasing practice time
Finding a difference that will make a difference
Ignoring the basics and trying new techniques
Concentrating on the negative aspects
What is the "first rule of holes" according to the text?
To keep digging until you find a solution
To go back to basics and keep things simple
To make the hole bigger for a better perspective
To ignore the hole and focus on the positives
What is a paradox as defined in the text?
A) A statement that is true but seems impossible
B) A statement that is false but widely believed
C) A statement that is true and easily understandable
D) A statement that contradicts itself and is always false
Which boxer is mentioned as an example of a paradox in sports?
A) Steve McKinney
B) Dick Fosbury
C) George Foreman
D) Muhammad Ali
What strategy did Muhammad Ali use in his fight against George Foreman?
A) The "rope-a-dope" strategy
B) The "speed and stillness" strategy
C) The "canvas spin" strategy
D) The "defensive posture" strategy
What did Dick Fosbury do that was considered paradoxical?
A) He broke the world downhill ski record
B) He turned his back to the bar before jumping over it
C) He invented the forward pass in football
D) He used oversized racquets in tennis
According to the text, what is necessary to succeed in sports?
A) Consistency and repetition
B) Avoiding any changes or adjustments
C) Making adjustments and accepting changes
D) Sticking to traditional methods
According to the text, what is one of the paradoxes of sports that the author discusses?
Trying harder always leads to better performance.
Less effort can sometimes result in more success.
Medication is always beneficial for athletes.
Black and white thinking is the best approach in sports.
What does the author suggest about the nature of sports?
Sports are always predictable and straightforward.
Sports should only be played in a rigid and inflexible manner.
Sports are both black and white and require understanding of its paradoxical nature.
Sports are only about winning and losing.
What happened to the NFL team on Thanksgiving Day according to the text?
They had a successful practice session.
They decided not to practice and celebrated instead.
They practiced, but the players were not mentally present.
They won an important game.
What is the outcome of trying too hard to get into "the zone" as mentioned in the text?
It helps athletes perform better under pressure.
It makes it easier for athletes to focus.
It can actually take athletes further away from the zone.
It has no effect on the athletes' performance.
What is the main point of the "golfer's prayer" mentioned in the text?
To ask for the strength to train harder.
To ask for the strength to swing easier.
To ask for the ability to control the game.
To ask for the ability to win more games.
What does the author imply about over-control in sports?
It is necessary for achieving peak performance.
It helps athletes remain calm under pressure.
It can lead to a loss of control in the performance.
It is recommended for consistent performance.
What can slowing down help you achieve according to Jay Novacek's experience?
It can help you win more races.
It can make you faster.
It can help you control your swing.
It can make you arrive earlier.
What is the effect of fear of failure on performance?
It makes you play better.
It has no effect on performance.
It makes failure more likely.
It improves coordination and rhythm.
What is the lesson learned from the example of figure skater Michelle Kwan?
Playing it safe can lead to winning.
Taking risks can be unnecessary.
Playing it safe can be dangerous.
Winning is guaranteed by playing it safe.
According to the text, what does a step backward in performance sometimes represent?
A permanent decline.
A step forward.
A sign of weakness.
A loss of skill.
How does the probability of getting the outcome you want change when you let go of the need to get it?
It decreases.
It remains the same.
It increases.
It is not affected by your desires.
According to the text, what must athletes do to win?
Focus solely on the desire to win
Be present and also be absent to win
Experience "white moments" frequently
Avoid getting wrapped in a cocoon
What is theorized to be the biggest reason why an athlete may not win despite wanting to badly?
Lack of practice
Too much pressure
The desire to win too badly
Not focusing on the process
What is the paradoxical nature of sports mentioned in the text?
You have to play in the gray
You must always focus on winning
You need to avoid "white moments"
You should never get worse before getting better
What does the text suggest might happen before you get better in sports?
You may have to get worse
You will always win
You should give up
You need to train harder
According to the text, what is considered the greatest and toughest art in golf?
Winning tournaments
Playing consistently
Playing badly well
Mastering the swing
What profession does Gary have?
Golf instructor
Sports psychologist consultant
Professional golfer
Golf caddy
What does Gary mean when he refers to himself as Jekyll or Hyde in the context of playing golf?
His ability to play with either hand
His unpredictable performance
His mood swings on the course
His choice of golf clubs
What does Joe Torre believe is more important than doing something spectacular just once?
Winning championships
Being famous
Doing your job consistently
Having natural talent
What contributed to Chris Evert becoming a champion according to the text?
Her natural ability
Her father's coaching, training, and encouragement
Her financial support
Her high-quality equipment
According to Jack Nicklaus, what is an art in the context of playing sports?
To win consistently
To play badly well
To never look back
To perform mental tricks
What mental trick did Dennis Eckersley perform when he didn't have his good stuff?
He would act indifferent
He would fake confidence
He would let his emotions show
He would focus on the numbers
What does the Peanuts cartoon suggest about handling bad days?
To let others see you sweat
To keep your head down
To straighten up and hold your head high
To give in to your emotions
What was Joe DiMaggio's advice for when you feel the worst?
To give up
To run the hardest
To show your emotions
To play indifferently
According to Arnold Palmer, what should an athlete maintain to have bad days?
Confidence
Indifference
A serene inside
A mental trick
What is Jim Colbert's reaction to anything that happens on the golf course?
He shows no reaction
He gets emotional
He focuses on winning
He thinks about past defeats
What does Jim Colbert mean when he says "There are only numbers" in golf?
Scores are not important
Only birdies and bogeys matter
Detachment from the outcome of each shot
Golf is a game of luck
According to Ben Crenshaw, how should you react to good and bad situations in golf?
Show your emotions openly in both situations.
Act surprised when you do well and hide your struggles.
Take the good and bad situations as they come without showing them.
Only focus on the good situations and ignore the bad ones.
What is the key message of Dave Winfield's statement about his mental attitude before playing?
To feel good after doing well in the game.
To have fun before and after performing well.
To prepare for the game by feeling bad.
To focus solely on winning the game.
What does the phrase "Act the way you want to become until you become the way you act" suggest?
Your actions should reflect your current state of mind.
You should pretend to be someone else.
Your actions can shape your behavior and attitude over time.
You should only act in ways that are natural to you.
According to Vince Lombardi, what is the quality of a person's life in direct proportion to?
Their wealth and education
Their commitment to excellence
The number of trophies they win
Their physical abilities
What is at the heart of all things according to Sadaharu Oh?
Hard work
Talent
Love
Education
At what age did Shaquille O'Neal's biggest growth spurt come in his career?
At age twenty-five
At age thirty
At age twenty-eight
At age twenty-six
What did Shaquille O'Neal lead the league in during his eighth pro season?
Blocked shots
Scoring
Assists
Steals
What nickname did the most dominating player in the game want to be known as after receiving the 1999-2000 NBA Most Valuable Player Award?
Big Shaq
Shaq Attack
Big Aristotle
The Diesel
According to the text, what must one repeatedly do to achieve excellence?
Win awards
Practice
Perform singular acts
Create good habits
What does the author suggest one does not need to become an MVP (Most Valuable Person)?
Exceptional talent
Education
Wealth
All of the above
According to the text, what is inner excellence primarily about?
Winning competitions and receiving awards
Staying positive in negative situations and dealing with adversity optimistically
Being responsible for only the positive outcomes in life
Focusing solely on personal achievements and self-image
What do people with inner excellence view competition as?
A challenge
A threat
A game of luck
A fear of failure
What does the text suggest about MVPs (Most Valuable Players)?
They work only on their physical abilities
They rely on external validation and accolades
They work on their inner qualities and find validation within themselves
They believe in taking shortcuts to achieve success
What did Muhammad Ali mean when he said, "Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion"?
To avoid training and focus on the fight
To give up when things get difficult
To endure hardships in the short term for long-term success
To prioritize immediate success over long-term goals
What is the role of imagination according to the text?
It is irrelevant to achieving goals
It is a distraction from setting realistic goals
It is like life’s previews of coming attractions
It should be avoided when pursuing dreams
What is the Japanese word for "constant daily improvement" mentioned in the text?
Kaizen
Kintsugi
Wabi-sabi
Bushido
According to the text, what is essential to becoming the hero that is within you?
Emotional control
Adversity quotient
Optimism
Self-confidence
What does the text suggest is a part of responsibility psychology?
Knowing that no one can take away your self-esteem without your permission
Always learning from your mistakes
Taking responsibility for your actions
Viewing setbacks as springboards for comebacks
What does the "adversity quotient" refer to according to the text?
The ability to learn and grow from experiences
The capacity to maintain emotional control
The ability to look at obstacles as opportunities
The level of self-confidence one possesses
