Chapters 1, 3, 13 & 19 - Enhancing Performance Flashcards
Why is important that information in sport psychology is evidence-based?
because the common sense approach used by lay people relies on hindsight and selective choosing of facts (consistent with their speculations) to explain why certain athletes/teams have success or failure
What does psychological skill training require?
- substantial preparation
2. effort similar to that needed for the acquisition/improvement of physical skills
Why is an athlete’s approach to competition critical?
because it contributes to or limits how successful they will be
State and briefly describe the stages involved in approach
- daily routines (eating, sleeping, good habits)
2. positive attitude to fitness and conditioning, practice, and competition
How does an athlete define themself?
by the way they approach competitive tasks (meaning, their daily routines, attitudes, and behaviours)
What is a common illusory belief held by athletes, coaches, and parents?
That good things happen to good people; teams are supposed to get what they deserve and vice versa
Define the ‘blame-the-victim’ tendency
When the athlete/team that loses is blamed for their defeat by pointing to their lack of character, mental toughness, etc.
What should success and loss be attributed to?
effort, ability, and preparation (rather than luck and bad situations)
Given that sport can be unfair, what traits are important for athletes/coaches to have?
- resilience
2. tendency to persist
What are some issues with rule enforcement?
- rules are enforced differently by every official + at difference levels of athletics
- officials can make bad calls
What are two possible reasons individuals neglect mental preparation?
- disinterest; preference to give time to physical practice
2. lack of knowledge of what mental training entails and how to practice mental skills
Define commitment
a personal decision of dedication and sacrifice to a chosen path relative to all other activities that could be pursued
In addition to commitment, what is required for excellence?
self control; playing with poise and confidence, controlling emotions, and understanding that you will compete at the same intensity/purpose regardless of outcome
What are all physical actions preceded by?
mental and emotional activity
If there are equal skills and ability, what can make an individual have an advantage over another?
Excellent pre-competitive planning and preparation, game day readiness, and post-competition evaluations
What is the goal of mental training?
to be ready to compete at one’s best, consistently, both within a game and after a game at the highest levels of performance
What is the most effective readying procedure for mental preparation?
the most effective readying procedure is personal
Why is it important for an athlete to manage their external and internal distractions?
by planning to manage distractions, situations can be stabilized in a number of ways by following systematic readying procedures
What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “concentration and focus” entail?
- think ahead about what is most important to you
- think about how you going to make a conscious effort to stay focused on specific, relevant information
- planning to refocus when distracted
What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “control of arousal” entail?
- plan how you will monitor and control the intensity of emotions you may experience before and during
- consider which relaxation/coping techniques will be most helpful to you to get into your zone of optimal functioning
What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “imagery” entail?
- imagine the game plan, strategies, skills, focus, and emotional readiness
What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “self-talk” entail?
- plan to recognize negative internal monologues
- plan how to stop destructive thoughts
- think about how negative thoughts can be replaced with positive and affirming ones
What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “goal setting” entail?
- think about your short and long term goals
- set at least 1 performance goal and process goal before each competition
How is motivation and mental preparation linked?
high motivational levels for training are linked to setting/achieving goals
How is self-confidence linked to mental preparation?
mental prep routines can foster self-confidence by producing feelings of self-efficacy and by performing consistently
