Psychological skills training

Question 1

Psychological skills training definition

Answer 1

Systematic & consistent practice of mental/psychological skills to enhance perf/enjoyment

Question 2

Why is PST important

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Athletes believe Psychological factors are responsible for

Answer 3

day to day fluctuations in perf

Question 4

Define mental toughness (4c model)

Answer 4

Control - handing multiple things at once
Commitment - pursue goals despite difficulty
Challenge - perceived threats as growth opportunities
Confidence - maintain belief despite setbacks

Question 5

Define mental toughness

Answer 5

Athletes ability to focus, rebound from failure, cope with pressure & deal w/ adversity

Question 6

How to build mental toughness

Answer 6

Positive practice environment, intense competition practice, simulations, goals, feedback, intense physical conditioning

Question 7

Why is PST neglected

Answer 7

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

Question 8

4 PST myths

- Corrections/explanations in ( )

Answer 8

• 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)

Question 9

PST knowledge base from Elite athletes research:

Answer 9

• ^ Confidence
• ^ Arousal regulation
• Better communication
• More positive thoughts/images
• ^ Determination/commitment

Question 10

PST knowledge base from Athletes/coaches: the most useful PST topics -

Answer 10

Arousal regulation, imagery, confidence building, self-talk, mental plans, attention & concentration

Question 11

PST effectiveness

Answer 11

• Educational PST training = ^ perf

- Intervention must be individualised, employed systematically & multimodal

Question 12

3 phases of PST - Educational

Answer 12

• Participants must realised the important PST is

- Basic psychological skills taught

Question 13

3 phases of PST - Acquisition

Answer 13

• Tailor programme to individual
• Focus on strategies and techniques
• Skills learned and practiced

Question 14

3 phases of PST - Practice

Answer 14

• Automating skills via overlearning
• Applying skills to competition
• Track progress for feedback

Question 15

Ultimate goal of PST = Self-regulation (explain)

Answer 15

• Athletes able to function wo/ constant direction from coach/psychologist
• monitor and self regulate emotional state

Question 16

5 stage model of self-regulation

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Who should conduct PST programs

Answer 17

• Ideally a qualified SPC
• More likely the coach
• best to keep these separate due to ethical issues
• Online courses

Question 18

When to implement a PST program

Answer 18

• Off/pre season as there is less pressure so the PST can be focused on

Question 19

Designing a PST program (Approach & Assessment)

Answer 19

• Discuss approach w/ athlete (emphasise educational approach)
• Assess athletes mental skills (strengths/weaknesses done via perf profile wheels or an interview using inventories)

Question 20

Designing a PST program (Skills, Schedule, Evaluation)

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

Common problems w/ PST programmes

Answer 21

• 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)