sport psychology definitions

Question 1

self-confidence

Answer 1

the belief that a performer has in their own ability to successfully perform a desired skill

Question 2

concentration

Answer 2

ability to focus on the task at hand whilst ignoring irrelevant cues

Question 3

arousal

Answer 3

is the degree of stimulation present in a performer about to perform a skilled task

Question 4

motivation

Answer 4

the direction and intensity of one’s effort

Question 5

stress

Answer 5

when there is an imbalance between the demands of the task and the ability of the performer to respond where failure has consequences

Question 6

goal setting

Answer 6

• the process of deciding on something you wish to achieve
• planning the steps to help reach the goal
• then working towards achieving that goal.

Question 7

relaxation

Answer 7

an activity is undertaken that reduces tension and the effects of physical and mental stress

Question 8

imagery

Answer 8

the mental creation of successful performance of a skill to prepare an individual mentally

Question 9

performance routines

Answer 9

a sequence of relevant thoughts and actions that an athlete engages in prior to a performance

Question 10

self talk

Answer 10

involves positive talking or thinking to oneself prior to, during or after the performance

Question 11

intrinsic motivation

Answer 11

refers to internal motivation that results from participation in sport

Question 12

extrinsic motivation

Answer 12

the external motivations that result from participation in sport

Question 13

selective concentration

Answer 13

focusing on certain relevant cues and ignoring the irrelevant cues

Question 14

shiftable concentration

Answer 14

broad focus to narrow focus

Question 15

divisible concentration

Answer 15

focus on more than one skill at a time

Question 16

selective attention

Answer 16

focusing on important cues and ignoring distractions that will affect your performance

Question 17

maintaining attention

Answer 17

being able to concentrate for the duration of the event

Question 18

situational awareness

Answer 18

the ability of the performer to consider the game situation
- positioning of teammates
- making the appropriate decision under pressure

Question 19

broad external

Answer 19

where attention is paid to a large number of cues in the environment

Question 20

broad internal

Answer 20

where attention is paid to a number of internal thoughts and images

Question 21

narrow external

Answer 21

focused targeting which is the ability to block out distractions and focus on specific cues

Question 22

narrow internal

Answer 22

focus on specific images and thoughts when rehearsing a performance

Question 23

physiological skills training

Answer 23

is the regular practice of mental skills with the goal being to improving physical skills