Psychological Skills Training

Question 1

Define PST

Answer 1

The systematic and consistent practice of mental/psychological skills to try and enhance performance, increase enjoyment, or achieve greater self-satisfaction

Question 2

What is the purpose of PST’s

Answer 2

Adapted to enhance performance, wellbeing or satisfaction. There is evidence to show they increase participation and adherence also.

Question 3

Define mental toughness

Answer 3

An athlete’s ability to focus, rebound from failure, cope with pressure, and persist in the face of adversity.

Question 4

What are the 4 C’s in the 4C Model (Not in w6 exam)

Answer 4

Control
Commitment
Challenge
Confidence

Question 5

Describe Control as part of the 4C Model (Not in w6 exam)

Answer 5

Control is handling many things at once and remaining influential rather than controlled

Question 6

Describe Commitment as part of the 4C Model (Not in w6 exam)

Answer 6

Commitment is being deeply involved with pursuing goals despite difficulties.

Question 7

Describe Challenge as part of the 4C Model (Not in w6 exam)

Answer 7

Challenge is perceiving potential threats as opportunities for personal growth and thriving in constantly changing environments.

Question 8

Describe Confidence as part of the 4C Model (Not in w6 exam)

Answer 8

Confidence is maintaining self-belief in spite of setbacks

Question 9

What is superior performance intelligence

Answer 9

When an athlete uses the correct play/skill at the correct time consistently. They seem to have a higher understanding of the game than other athletes.

Question 10

Why might someone neglect PST

Answer 10

• Lack of knowledge and comfort with teaching mental skills
• Misunderstandings about psychological skills (e.g. a belief that they can’t be learned)
• Lack of time
• Belief they’re for problem or elite athletes

Question 11

Give 3 differences of PST’s which a successful and non-successful athlete may differ in

Answer 11

Successful athletes’ may:
 They have higher confidence
 They have greater self-regulation of arousal
 They have better communication
 They have more positive thoughts and images
 They have more determination or commitment

Question 12

Give 4 PST topics you can use

Answer 12

–	Arousal regulation 
–	Imagery and mental preparation 
–	Confidence building 
–	Increased motivation and commitment (goal setting)
–	Attention or concentration 
–	Self-talk 
–	Mental plans

Question 13

State the 3 phases of PST

Answer 13

Educational phase
Acquisition phase
Practise phase

Question 14

Describe the educational phase (PST)

Answer 14

Participants recognize how important it is to acquire PST and how the skills affect their performance

Question 15

Describe the acquisition phase (PST)

Answer 15

Focus on strategies and techniques. Tailor training programs to meet individual needs (sport, personality, time etc)

Question 16

Describe the practice phase (PST)

Answer 16

Progression from practices and simulations to actual competitions. Focuses on automating skills through overlearning, integrating psychological skills, and simulating the skills you want to apply to actual competitions.

Question 17

Who else (other than athletes/coaches) may use PST

Answer 17

A physical educator might use relaxation training to teach a hyperactive child to calm down.
A physical therapist or athletic trainer might use goal setting to maintain motivation for an individual out with a serious, prolonged injury.
A fitness instructor might use positive self-statements to enhance self-esteem in a client who is overweight.

Question 18

Define self-regulation

Answer 18

The ability to work toward one’s short, and long-term goals by effectively monitoring and managing one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Question 19

What are the 5 phases of athlete self-regulation

Answer 19

Problem Identification
Commitment
Execution
Environmental Management
Generalisation

Question 20

When should PST be implemented- to be most effective

Answer 20

In the off-season when there is more time. It should continue throughout an athlete’s participation.

Question 21

Describe how to design a PST

Answer 21

1. Discuss your approach.
2. Assess the athlete’s mental skills.
3. Determine which psychological skills to include.
4. Design a PST schedule (using goal setting)
5. Evaluate the program