Intro to Sport Psych

Question 1

Define sport psychology

Answer 1

Sport Psychology can be defined as the study of how the human mind influences sports, athletic performance, exercise and physical activity.

• how an individuals thoughts, feelings and emotions influence their performance in physical activity.

Question 2

Explain what Psychological Skills Training (PST)

Answer 2

• Strong mental skills are crucial in developing “mental toughness” in the performer.

Question 3

Mental toughness is crucial to sporting success. A mentally tough athlete has the ability to do what? list at least 4

Answer 3

-Has the ability to focus and concentrate
-Is able to rebound from failure (resilience)
-Is able to deal with pressure
-Persists against adversity

Question 4

Developing psychological skills is a 3 step process, List all 3 processes

Answer 4

1. Education Phase
2. Acquisition Phase
3. Practice Phase

Question 5

Define Education Phase

Answer 5

Players are made aware of what psychological skills are and how they could benefit and improve their performances by using them.

Question 6

Define Acquisition Phase

Answer 6

Players determine what specific psychological skills would benefit them and when, why and how they would use them.

• Remember diff have diff needs

Question 7

Define Practice Phase

Answer 7

The necessary mental skills are regularly practiced until the player can use them without conscious thought in a game. Application of mental skills becomes an automated response when needed.

Question 8

Optimal performance is made up of 4 components list all 4

Answer 8

1. Tactical Skills
2. Psychological Skills
3. Physiological Preparation
4. Technical Skills

Question 9

a deficiency in any of the 4 components results in what?

Answer 9

will decrease the ability of the athlete to perform at their maximum capacity.

Question 10

list all 5 mental skills to achieve the “zone”

Answer 10

-Motivation
-Self-Confidence
-Arousal
-Concentration
-Stress management

Question 11

list all 3 mental skill strategies

Answer 11

-Self talk
-Imagery
-Relaxation

Question 12

Mental Skills: Define Stress
Management

Answer 12

Stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the demands of the task and the ability level of the performer to respond in a situation where failure has consequences.

Question 13

Mental Skills: Define Concentration

Answer 13

The ability to focus on a task at hand whilst ignoring irrelevant cues or distractions.

Question 14

Mental Skills: Define Arousal

Answer 14

The degree of stimulation or alertness present in a performer about to perform a skilled task.

Question 15

Mental Skills: Define Motivation

Answer 15

The direction and intensity of effort by a performer towards a given task.

Question 16

Mental Skills: Define Self-Confidence

Answer 16

The belief that a performer has in their own ability to successfully perform a desired skill or behaviour.

Question 17

Mental strategies: Define Relaxation

Answer 17

An activity undertaken to reduce tension and the effects of physical and mental stress

Question 18

Mental strategies: Define Imagery

Answer 18

The mental recreation, using as many senses as possible, of a successful past performance or skill.

Question 19

Mental strategies: Define Self-Talk

Answer 19

Talking to / thinking to yourself positively before, during or after performance.