sports psyc Flashcards
5 mental skills
self confidences
concentrations
arousal regulation
motivation
stress and tension management
(scams)
5 strategies to enhance the mental skills
goal setting
relaxation
imagery
performance routines
self talk
(grips)
stress management definition (skill)
Stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the demands of the task and the ability level of the performer to respond in a situation where failure has consequences.
concentration (skill)
Is the ability to focus on a task at hand whilst ignoring irrelevant cues or distractions.
arousal (skill)
Is the degree of stimulation or alertness present in a performer about to perform a skilled task.
motivation (skill)
The direction and intensity of effort by a performer towards a given task.
self confidence (skill)
Is the belief that a performer has the ability to successfully perform a desired skill or behaviour.
goal setting (strategy)
The process of deciding on something you want to achieve, planning the steps to follow that will help reach that goal, then working towards achieving that goal
relaxation (strategy)
An activity undertaken to reduce tension and the effects of physical and mental stress.
imagery (strategy)
The mental recreation, using as many senses as possible, of a successful past performance or skill.
performance routines (strategy)
A ritual a performer follows in the preparation, during, or after an execution of a task.
self talk (strategy)
Talking to/thinking to yourself positively before, during, or after performance.
types of goals
outcome;
Focus on the end results, times, finishing place, medals EG: making school netball team
performance;
Comparing present performance with previous performance eg: improve fitness testing
process;
Focus on actions, physical movements, strategies that athletes must execute during performance. E.g. swimmer maintaining a smooth S-shaped pull in freestyle
mental skills and strategies
the strategies can help the mental skills eg; self confidence and performance routines
group cohesion
Group cohesion is a term used to describe the extent to which a group stays together and is united in the pursuit of common goals and objectives.
2 components of group cohesion
task cohesion
social cohesion
task cohesion is…
how prepared and committed members are to put in and sacrifice to achieve their aim (goal)
social cohesion is …
the degree to which team members like each other and enjoy being together
4 factors that affect team cohesion (carrons model)
- personal factors
- environmental factors
- leadership factors
- team factors
personal factors
Refer to the individual characteristics of group members, such as their motives for participating.
3 main reasons to participate;
task motivation
affiliation motivation
self motivation
environmental factors
Refers to the normative forces that bring and hold a group together. E.g. Contracts, family/significant other expectations
leadership factors
Refers to the leadership style and how this affects the dynamics of the group.
Good leadership is a key factor in developing a socially and task cohesive team.
This requires appropriate leadership styles in the context of the team.
Ensure the most appropriate style of leadership is used for the environment they are working in
team factors
Relates to the characteristics of the team including team stability, prior successes and failures.
3 levels of communications
co-acting activities (little or no communication)
mixed activities (combination)
interacting activities (require high levels of communications)
group dynamics (norms)
formal norms;
Usually improve task cohesion. For example: arriving at the ground one hour before game
informal norms;
Usually improve social cohesion. They are not official rules or policies, but a set of expectations developed by a leadership group aimed at introducing new players to the team and its individual culture.
3 ways to measure group cohesion
- questionnaires
- sociograms
- observation
questionnaires
The “Group Environment Questionnaire” (GEQ) which recognises that group cohesion is made up of task and social cohesion
sociogram
A sociogram is a diagram that shows the inter-relationships between individuals in a team. It is often used to represent the answers to a questionnaire presented to the team.
observation
A coach can use a checklist to observe how players in the group relate to each other, who they mix with, who they avoid and who they interact with.
developing task cohesion
Communicating clearly and regularly.
Having clear and understandable expectations/norms.
Having clear individual roles.
Developing pride within subunits and team
developing social cohesion
Encouraging social interaction away from the sport e.g. paintballing, barbecues etc.
Maintaining open and honest communication.
Resolving conflicts quickly.
benefits of group cohesion
Communication and motivation within the group is extensive.
There is an increased feeling of the group as a whole, rather than individuals.
Players work together to achieve team goals ahead of personal goals.
Players enjoy each other’s success.
barriers of group cohesion
Personality clashes between members.
Unclear/conflicting roles among group members.
Frequent changes to the group.
Disagreement on group objectives
social loafing
Social loafing is the tendency of individuals to lessen their effort when they are part of a group. The larger the group, the greater the likelihood of social loafing. It occurs as a result of a decrease in individual motivation
traits of people social loafing
Decreased effort at training
Arriving late, leaving early to/from training
Missing training
Not fulfilling designated role in the team
Lack of form
impact of social loafing on individual and team performance
Individual athletes are prone to social loafing if they feel that the team can still perform well without a maximum contribution from them
Some individual athletes perceive that the team will win even without every player performing at their best and consequently puts in less effort.
has a negative impact on the team and individual
how to minimize social loafing
contracts
team rules
feedback
set challenges and goals
