The Psychological Game

In the April 24th issue of Sports Illustrated, an article profiling new Colorado Buffaloes football coach Dan Hawkins discusses his unusual approach to coaching, including his use of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to improve player performance:

"Given the slightest opening, Hawkins will expound on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. For [junior quarterback Bernard] Jackson, one of those needs — the need to feel safe, physically and psychologically — was not being met. After spending time with him, says Hawkins, "I got this vibe that his spirit was broken, that he was in a cage. And I just told him, 'I want you to break out, play your style, use your talents and don't worry.'" Thus unburdened, Jackson had a strong spring and will challenge fellow junior Brian White for the starting job in August."

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