Wisconsin sports science doctor offers advice for athletes during quarantine

April 7, 2020 / Athletic Administration • Coaching

As the spring sports season is indefinitely put on hold across the country due to the coronavirus outbreak, one Green Bay doctor is giving advice for student-athletes to take their leadership roles from the field to everyday life.

In a report from WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dr. Alan Chu, chair of the sports, exercise and performance department at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, gave some advice into how student-athletes could be utilizing their newfound free time.

sports psychology — Photo: Stacie Morris / Creative Commons

“I think the first thing we would tell athletes to do is accept that this is happening,” he told WBAY. “The first initial reaction is usually denial.”

He went on to add that this is a great time for athletes to step up and be a role model in society. Additionally, Dr. Chu said athletes — perhaps more than anyone — are best equipped to handle the difficulties that come with self-quarantining with their knack of sticking to routines.

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Dr. Chu offered visualization as a great tool to stay sharp in place of more tangible workouts.

“They can practice how to dribble, how to pass,” he told WBAY. “When we talk about visualization people think it’s just about visuals, but it’s all the senses.”

To read the full feature on Dr. Chu and to see more videos on tips about sports psychology, click here.