1. SUPERSTITION AMONG ATHLETES

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. How it ties into athletics  Different sports have different superstitions used by many different athletes.  Almost all athletes have superstitions unique to themselves.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Rafael Nadal  Turns water bottles toward the court before each match  Claims that he has no superstition

8. 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

9. 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.