Psychological skills training Flashcards
Psychological skills training definition
Systematic & consistent practice of mental/psychological skills to enhance perf/enjoyment
Why is PST important
- Avoiding choking, motivation/concentration loss & reduce anger/depression
- Increases mental toughness and increase chances of ‘flow’ being experienced
- A larger % of success than most realise
Athletes believe Psychological factors are responsible for
day to day fluctuations in perf
Define mental toughness (4c model)
Control - handing multiple things at once
Commitment - pursue goals despite difficulty
Challenge - perceived threats as growth opportunities
Confidence - maintain belief despite setbacks
Define mental toughness
Athletes ability to focus, rebound from failure, cope with pressure & deal w/ adversity
How to build mental toughness
Positive practice environment, intense competition practice, simulations, goals, feedback, intense physical conditioning
Why is PST neglected
Lack of knowledge - don’t know how to teach/practice it
Misunderstandings - champions are made not born, PST included
Lack of time - less time allocated to it due to its perceived lack of importance
4 PST myths
- Corrections/explanations in ( )
- only for ‘problem’ athletes (majority of PS work is educational not clinical
- only for the Elite (its appropriate for all)
- Its a ‘quick fix’ (it takes time an isn’t a miracle)
- it isn’t useful (it is)
PST knowledge base from Elite athletes research:
- ^ Confidence
- ^ Arousal regulation
- Better communication
- More positive thoughts/images
- ^ Determination/commitment
PST knowledge base from Athletes/coaches: the most useful PST topics -
Arousal regulation, imagery, confidence building, self-talk, mental plans, attention & concentration
PST effectiveness
- Educational PST training = ^ perf
- Intervention must be individualised, employed systematically & multimodal
3 phases of PST - Educational
- Participants must realised the important PST is
- Basic psychological skills taught
3 phases of PST - Acquisition
- Tailor programme to individual
- Focus on strategies and techniques
- Skills learned and practiced
3 phases of PST - Practice
- Automating skills via overlearning
- Applying skills to competition
- Track progress for feedback
Ultimate goal of PST = Self-regulation (explain)
- Athletes able to function wo/ constant direction from coach/psychologist
- monitor and self regulate emotional state
5 stage model of self-regulation
1 - Problem identification (and acceptance)
2 - Commitment (to change)
3 - Execution (of training w/ self evaluation)
4 - Environmental management (planning strategies to do so)
5 - Generalisation (sustained effort over time & extending behaviours to new situation)s
Who should conduct PST programs
- Ideally a qualified SPC
- More likely the coach
- best to keep these separate due to ethical issues
- Online courses
When to implement a PST program
- Off/pre season as there is less pressure so the PST can be focused on
Designing a PST program (Approach & Assessment)
- Discuss approach w/ athlete (emphasise educational approach)
- Assess athletes mental skills (strengths/weaknesses done via perf profile wheels or an interview using inventories)
Designing a PST program (Skills, Schedule, Evaluation)
- Choose skills based on time available & athletes needs
- Schedule, better to hold short meetings often & add informal meetings (add PST into periodisation)
- Evaluation, give feedback, make changes, see progress
Common problems w/ PST programmes
- Lack of conviction (athletes don’t buy in)
- Lack of time to complete
- Lack of sports (knowledge SPC must link training to specific sport)
- Lack of follow up (practice must occur)
