Short Term Psychological Preparation

Question 0

What is self efficacy?

Answer 0

Self confidence

Question 1

What psychological characteristics are most present in the best athletes?

Answer 1

Higher levels of self confidence
More task oriented focus
Higher control over their anxiety levels
More determination and commitment

Question 2

What did bandura believe the 4 influences on self efficacy are?

Answer 2

Performance accomplishments. Eg if the performer has been successful in the past, their confidence is likely to be high
Vicarious experience - if the performer has watched others succeed
Verbal persuasion - significant others encouraging players can improve their drive and confidence
Emotional arousal -

Question 3

Define anxiety

Answer 3

A natural reaction to threat in the environment, part of our preparation for fight or flight

Question 4

What are the three dimensions to anxiety?

Answer 4

Cognitive - worry and negative feelings about your own performance
Somatic- physiological symptoms
Behavioural

Question 5

What are the two types of anxiety that sport performers suffer, linked to performance?

Answer 5

State anxiety

Trait anxiety

Question 6

What is state anxiety?

Answer 6

Situation specific, can be linked to performing a certain role (eg a penalty)

Question 7

What is trait anxiety?

Answer 7

A general and enduring feeling of apprehension

Question 8

What are the main causes of anxiety?

Answer 8

A general predisposition to this state. Some are simply naturally more anxious about pressure than others. Anxiety may arise due to perceived importance of the situation. Fear of failure may cause athletes to blame a poor performance on lack of ability

Question 9

What is choking?

Answer 9

Sudden impairment or failure of sports performance due to anxiety

Question 10

Give some strategies to prevent anxiety and choki

Answer 10

Set personal, achievable goals
Use imagery before competition, to review strategy, technique, and implement confidence
Use positive talk
Practise relaxation exercises and meditation
Use music

Question 11

Define aggression

Answer 11

Intent to harm outside the laws of the game

Question 12

Give two theories to explain aggression in sport

Answer 12

It’s an innate biological drive, and sport provides an outlet for this aggression
We learn to be aggressive by watching others

Question 13

Give a few strategies to control aggression

Answer 13

Internal control, punishment, reinforcement of non aggressive behaviour

Question 14

Generally, what percentage of home games are won?

Answer 14

56-64%

Question 15

What is social facilitation?

Answer 15

The influence others may have on performance, for example fellow teammates, or the crowd

Question 16

What is the theory linking crowd and performance?

Answer 16

The idea is that the crowd enhances the arousal level, up to a certain point. It increases the motivation to succeed

Question 17

What is drive theory?

Answer 17

The idea that our learned behaviours are our dominant response, so as arousal rises, the reaction of skilled and unskilled performers differs

Question 18

What 3 strategies are suggested to deal with crowds?

Answer 18

Selective attention
Cognitive visualisation techniques and imagery, to help focus on the task
Ensure essential skills are over learned and autonomous
Use evaluative practises
Practise with simulated crowd noise
Incorporate stress management and relaxation techniques into training

Question 19

What is the inverted U Theory?

Answer 19

The idea that performance increases with arousal up to a certain point, at which it begins to decline

Question 20

How can self talk be used in game?

Answer 20

Performers can say certain cues and reminders to themselves as the play, in order to keep up the rift technique. They also should reassure themselves of their ability during

Question 21

What is cue utilisation theory?

Answer 21

The idea that as the arousal of the performer increases, their attention narrows, and they’re more able to pick out the most relevant cues, up to a certain level

Question 22

Give some techniques to control somatic anxiety

Answer 22

Visualisation
Yoga
Toe tensing 
Deep breathing exercises
Listening to music

Question 23

How can an angry crowd influence a performer more than a calm one?

Answer 23

It makes the performer more anxious, and may make them more aggressive, almost in retaliation. They may feel threatened, increasing arousal levels