Chapters 1, 3, 13 & 19 - Enhancing Performance

Question 1

Why is important that information in sport psychology is evidence-based?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What does psychological skill training require?

Answer 2

1. substantial preparation

2. effort similar to that needed for the acquisition/improvement of physical skills

Question 3

Why is an athlete’s approach to competition critical?

Answer 3

because it contributes to or limits how successful they will be

Question 4

State and briefly describe the stages involved in approach

Answer 4

1. daily routines (eating, sleeping, good habits)

2. positive attitude to fitness and conditioning, practice, and competition

Question 5

How does an athlete define themself?

Answer 5

by the way they approach competitive tasks (meaning, their daily routines, attitudes, and behaviours)

Question 6

What is a common illusory belief held by athletes, coaches, and parents?

Answer 6

That good things happen to good people; teams are supposed to get what they deserve and vice versa

Question 7

Define the ‘blame-the-victim’ tendency

Answer 7

When the athlete/team that loses is blamed for their defeat by pointing to their lack of character, mental toughness, etc.

Question 8

What should success and loss be attributed to?

Answer 8

effort, ability, and preparation (rather than luck and bad situations)

Question 9

Given that sport can be unfair, what traits are important for athletes/coaches to have?

Answer 9

1. resilience

2. tendency to persist

Question 10

What are some issues with rule enforcement?

Answer 10

• rules are enforced differently by every official + at difference levels of athletics
• officials can make bad calls

Question 11

What are two possible reasons individuals neglect mental preparation?

Answer 11

1. disinterest; preference to give time to physical practice

2. lack of knowledge of what mental training entails and how to practice mental skills

Question 12

Define commitment

Answer 12

a personal decision of dedication and sacrifice to a chosen path relative to all other activities that could be pursued

Question 13

In addition to commitment, what is required for excellence?

Answer 13

self control; playing with poise and confidence, controlling emotions, and understanding that you will compete at the same intensity/purpose regardless of outcome

Question 14

What are all physical actions preceded by?

Answer 14

mental and emotional activity

Question 15

If there are equal skills and ability, what can make an individual have an advantage over another?

Answer 15

Excellent pre-competitive planning and preparation, game day readiness, and post-competition evaluations

Question 16

What is the goal of mental training?

Answer 16

to be ready to compete at one’s best, consistently, both within a game and after a game at the highest levels of performance

Question 17

What is the most effective readying procedure for mental preparation?

Answer 17

the most effective readying procedure is personal

Question 18

Why is it important for an athlete to manage their external and internal distractions?

Answer 18

by planning to manage distractions, situations can be stabilized in a number of ways by following systematic readying procedures

Question 19

What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “concentration and focus” entail?

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “control of arousal” entail?

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “imagery” entail?

Answer 21

• imagine the game plan, strategies, skills, focus, and emotional readiness

Question 22

What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “self-talk” entail?

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

What does the rehearsal of the psychological skill, “goal setting” entail?

Answer 23

• think about your short and long term goals

- set at least 1 performance goal and process goal before each competition

Question 24

How is motivation and mental preparation linked?

Answer 24

high motivational levels for training are linked to setting/achieving goals

Question 25

How is self-confidence linked to mental preparation?

Answer 25

mental prep routines can foster self-confidence by producing feelings of self-efficacy and by performing consistently