David Udelf Psy.D.

About

David Udelf, Psy.D., has extensive and diverse experience as a clinical and sport psychologist, combined with 40-plus years of coaching. Practicing at Becker, Udelf, and Associates, a private practice he co-founded 1992, he maintains offices on the east and west sides of the Greater Cleveland (Ohio) area.

Udelf serves individual athletes—professional and amateur—representing a wide range of ages, sports, and abilities. He consults with numerous public and private schools, universities, athletic departments, leagues, and youth sports programs. Udelf currently serves the Marshall University baseball team.

Media activity has been a constant throughout Udelf’s career. A former sportswriter, he currently does media coverage of the National Football League. He has hosted and co-hosted several radio talk shows and served as an expert commentator on numerous local and national radio and television programs, including The Jerry Springer Show.

Recent Posts

The Dark Side of Sports Analytics

Analytics in sports training has led to athletes obsessed with achieving performance numbers. Learn how such approaches are contributing to emotional stress and serious injuries.

Emotional Clinging and Its Detrimental Impact on Athletes

Pleasant emotions, such as excitement and joy, can get in the way of peak athletic performance. Learn about "emotional clinging" and what can be done to prevent it.

How Molding Character in Childhood Forges Adult Leadership

Learn how cultivating childhood unselfishness, integrity, humility, education, and a sense of humor led to being the acting secretary of the U.S. Navy.

Achieving Effective Action, Concentration, and Effort

Unwanted thoughts and emotions are normal human experiences. Learn how athletes and other performers live with that inside "noise" without letting it disrupt their behavior.

Learn What We Control and Don't Control in Sports

"Control the controllable" is a popular sports adage. Discover what it means, its application, and its critical importance for optimal athletic performance.

How Expectations Can Lead to Frustration and Misery in Sports

High expectations can lead to an inferior performance, suffering, and burnout. Athletes must focus on executing the skills necessary for the task at hand.

When Social Media Is Toxic for Young Athletes

Hear what high school, collegiate, and professional athletes say about social media and how its use has led to damaged confidence, character, and undermined team cohesion.

How to Achieve Competitive "Beast Mode" Excellence

Wrestling and weightlifting extraordinaire Twana "The Beast" Barnett shares her training and competition expertise and wisdom. Explore her amazing approach to sports and life.

Oppenheimer, Los Alamos Ranch School, and Molding Character

Today's young athletes often behave in a manner reflecting poor mental toughness and conduct. A look at the Los Alamos Ranch School teaches how to train resilience and character.

Overcoming Sports Failures

A willingness to fail in sports allows athletes to bounce back from mistakes. Acceptance and commitment training can assist in achieving this skill.