The Book
Superstitionism - The Psychology of Sport
Superstition disrupts athletes’ psychology and exists at the heart of their
core beliefs, just as winning and losing are often said to be caused by luck; but what if luck is a figment of
imagination? What if there is no such thing as luck? Where does that leave superstition which forms such an
integral part of how many athletes think?
What caused football pundit Pat Nevin to balk at one of the most surreal experiences he had ever witnessed in
the not-so-beautiful game? What left former football manager Harry Redknapp sceptical of a pre-match prayer
meeting before facing the might of Manchester United F.C? What caused the media to coin the phrase
‘Freaky Fridays’ to describe how supreme performances by elite golfer Rory McIlroy on Thursdays,
regularly deteriorated the following day?
How does the fear of ‘Juju’ magic reportedly experienced by Togo International and former Arsenal
F.C and Tottenham F.C footballer Emmanuel Adebayor, differ from the Irish ‘Juju’ magical hex
infamously described as the Mayo curse? Is it purely a matter of demographics, is there such a thing as the
‘Commentator’s Curse’ and is God a superstition? Why are some athletes beaten before they
begin, and the fates of winners and also-rans seemingly decided before bursting out of the starting
blocks?
How you think can determine whether you are meteoric or mediocre, but this is not quite sport as you might
imagine. Instead something far deeper is shaping your unique sporting genius, and that something is core
superstitious beliefs. So hold onto your hat and open your mind as Superstitionism – The Psychology of
Sport leads an engaging and enlightening exploration into athletes’ psychology before a whistle is blown
or starting pistol fired.
The Author
David White
David is an advocate of thinking environments which expand human potential and
develops captivating coaching strategies to enhance business practice, lifestyle and sport. He is highly
proficient in the promotion of leadership, transitioning and change, and formed part of an Executive Program
for Leaders at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He is much sought after in business and
sporting enterprise as a prominent and dynamic public speaker, national learning facilitator, consultant and
performance coach who engages his audience in respectful discourse using wordplay and humour to establish
rapport.
His background in sport is equally diverse. He is a former coach education and orientation tutor with Sport
NI, 'Football for All' facilitator for the Irish Football Association (IFA) and was awarded the title
of Thaiboxing Kru (Teacher) at the World renowned Master Toddy Academy in Las Vegas (now located in
Thailand). His aim is to spark a global renaissance in the dwindling art of curiosity since curiosity is
integral to innovation, and to achieving self-mastery of personal genius and organisational growth.
Media
Luck does not exist
No Shame Podcast
Superstitions, Psychology and Sport
Dan Abrahams - The Sport Psych Show
Episode 9 - Superstitions
Rob and Rats World of Wonder
Colin Murray
Welcome to Superstitionism
Pat Nevin Anecdote
No Shame Podcast
UFC, Rafael dos Anjos, and Jesus
No Shame Podcast
Mayo Curse Anecdote
No Shame Podcast
Joe Mahon
A Sense of Belonging
The Rise and Rise of Rhys McKee (Part 1)
SPEAKING
Luck – What’s sport got to do with it?
Coaching in the 21st Century – A fresh look at Sporting Analysis
- October 2019
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The Boxing Coaches' PodcastEpisode 29 - Boxing Superstition(ism) with guest David White9th October 2019
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- September 2019
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Rob and Rats World of WonderEpisode 9 - Superstitions11th September 2019
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- April 2019
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Dan Abrahams - The Sport Psych ShowSuperstitions, Psychology and Sport30th April 2019
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Showcasing 'Luck - What's sport got to do with it?'15th April 2019Millennium Forum Theatre
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- March 2019
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The Hidden Psychology of the Beautiful Game26th March 2019Greenisland Football Club
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- January 2019
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Paddy Holohan - No Shame PodcastA conversation about superstition and beliefs20th January 2019
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- October 2018
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Conversation about Leadership and Beliefs18th October 2018St Mary's University College, Belfast
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- August 2018
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Northern Ireland Men's Futsal SquadExplore the impact of self-talk on sports performance11th August 2018Ulster University Sports Complex, Coleraine
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Northern Ireland Women's Futsal SquadExcelling beyond an underdog mind-set11th August 2018Ulster University Sports Complex, Coleraine
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- July 2018
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Motivational Talk - Psychology of Marginal Gains19th July 2018IMMA Next Generation, Ballymena
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- April 2018
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Presentation to Ulster GAAA Critical Analysis of Implying Luck Within Sport.25th April 2018Ulster GAA Headquarters, Co. Armagh
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- March 2018
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Luck – What’s sport got to do with it?15th March 2018. 7-9pmDes Allen Suite, Ballymena Showgrounds
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- December 2017
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Presentation to IFA Coach Education Staff & Guests13th December 2017National Football Stadium, Belfast
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- February 2018
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Science Behind Sporting PerformanceSold out16th February 2018National Football Stadium, Belfast
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- November 2017
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Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council29th November 2017Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey
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Performance Analysis & Coaching Practice at University of Ulster14th November 2017University of Ulster, Jordanstown
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CONTACT
For general correspondence as well as inquiries about hiring the author to speak at your venue or event, please complete the form below: