Psychological Strategies Part 1

Question 1

What are the 5 psychological strategies used to improve sports performance?

Answer 1

Motivation, goal setting, arousal levels, concentration, sleep

Question 2

What are extrinsic motivating factors?

Answer 2

Factors which are external to the athlete, including prize money, trophies, progress charts

Question 3

What are intrinsic motivating factors?

Answer 3

Factors which come from within the individual, including enjoyment from participation and self-satisfaction

Question 4

When should positive motivation be applied and what does it include?

Answer 4

More regularly, especially with beginners, such as great shot, keep working hard or good effort

Question 5

When should negative motivation be applied and what does it include?

Answer 5

If performance is inadequate or incorrect, such as saying terrible pass or having to do 10 push-ups for missing a target

Question 6

What is goal setting?

Answer 6

A motivational technique which occurs when athletes set down clear targets, priorities and expectations

Question 7

What is the correlation between athlete performance and goals?

Answer 7

Athletes are more committed and likely to achieve when they have a goal

Question 8

How does goal setting improve performance?

Answer 8

Focusing attention on important elements of skills, activating an athlete’s effort, encouraging perseverance

Question 9

What does the SMARTER principles of goal setting stand for?

Answer 9

Specific, measurable, accepted, realistic, time phased, exciting, recorded

Question 10

What does the specific principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 10

Goals need to be specific and as clear as possible to focus attention, eg: to use a kick serve effectively

Question 11

What does the measurable principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 11

Progress should be evaluated against a standard of previous performance, eg: to land the serve in the service box 20 times per each training session

Question 12

What does the accepted principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 12

Goals should be accepted by all parties involved in preparing the athlete, eg: parents, coaches and athlete are all agreed

Question 13

What does the realistic principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 13

Goals should extend the athlete but be achievable within their ability, eg: a success rate of 80% of kick serves per match is realistic

Question 14

What does the time phased principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 14

Goals should include a specific date for competition, eg: have the kick serve ready by 23rd October

Question 15

What does the exciting principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 15

The athlete needs to be challenged and inspired, eg: set up a mini tournament with friends

Question 16

What does the recorded principle of goal setting mean and give an example?

Answer 16

Goals should be written down, eg: recorded in a training diary after each session

Question 17

What is self-confidence?

Answer 17

An individual’s belief that they will be successful

Question 18

What are some behaviours of confident athletes?

Answer 18

They exhibit positive emotions, remain calm under pressure and stay focused on task

Question 19

What can athletes do to build confidence?

Answer 19

Achieve success, master skills/game strategies during training, know what to expect and how to respond to different situations

Question 20

During a match, what helps to maintain the confidence of an athlete?

Answer 20

Positive thoughts and self-talk