363. Think Like a Winner

The '363. Think Like a Winner' episode of 'Freakonomics Radio' delves into the mental aspects of sports, examining how athletes' thoughts and strategies impact their performance. The episode features insights from economists like Toby Moskowitz, who discusses the rich field of sports for studying decision-making under uncertainty, and the transparency of incentives and results in sports compared to other fields. Moskowitz, along with John Wertheim, challenges common sports beliefs, such as the importance of defense in winning championships, the causes of home field advantage, and the veracity of the 'hot hand' phenomenon in basketball.

The narrative then shifts to the mental preparation of athletes. Bob Tewksbury, a mental skills coach for the San Francisco Giants and a former MLB pitcher, emphasizes the importance of confidence as a choice rather than a feeling. He shares his experiences with the mental side of baseball, including the use of affirmations and mantras. Additionally, the episode explores the mental struggles and pressures faced by elite athletes, such as gymnast Shawn Johnson and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings, who discuss the challenges of overcoming fear and maintaining performance.

The conversation also touches on the role of data analytics in sports, with Levitt and Covich's research indicating that NFL teams could benefit from passing more often, and that MLB pitchers tend to overuse fastballs. The episode concludes with a discussion on game theory in sports, specifically the strategy behind 'icing the kicker' in football, and whether it is an effective tactic.