Sports Psychology Flashcards
Big MAC: Chapter 4 -> pages 83-104
Define Skill
a learned action or behaviour, with the intention of bringing about pre-determined results , with maximum certainty and minimum outlay of time and energy
Define Ability
an inherited, stable trait that determines an individual’s potential to learn or acquire a skill
Define Trait
distinguishing qualities or characteristics belonging to a person
Name all of the classifications of skill
Basic – Complex
Open – Closed
Self-paced – Externally-paced
Gross movement – Fine movement
What is a basic skill and name some examples?
.A simple skill that does not require much concentration
.Examples include catching, throwing and running
What is a complex skill and name some examples?
.A skill that requires a great deal of concentration and coordination to perform
.Examples: Pole-vault
What is an open skill and name some examples?
.A skill that is performed in a certain way to deal with a changing or unstable environment
.Examples: Rugby Tackle
What is a closed skill and name some examples?
.A skill that is not affected by the environment or performers within it. The skill tends to be done the same way each time.
.Examples: Dive in Diving
What is a Self-paced skill and name some examples?
.A skill that is started when the performer decides to start it. The speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by the performer.
.Example: Table tennis serve
What is an Externally-paced skill and name some examples?
.A skill that is started because of an external factor. The speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by external factors, such as an opponent or the environment
.Example: Receiving a serve
What is a Gross movement skill and name some examples?
.A skill that uses large muscle groups to perform big, strong powerful movements
.Example: Triple Jump
What is a Fine movement skill and name some examples?
.A skill involving small, precise movements, showing height levels of accuracy and coordination. It involves the use of a small group of muscles.
.Examples: Archery or Spin ball delivery
Define Performance goals
Personal standards to be achieved. Performers compare themselves against what they have already done or suggest what they are going to do. There is no comparison with other performers.
Define Outcome goals
Goals that focus on the end result, on winning
What does SMART stand for?
Specific
Measurable
Accepted
Realistic
Time-bound
That technique can be used to increase motivation and reduce anxiety.
What is the Information processing model and name the four steps?
.Name given to the process that a performer goes through when they make and act on decisions
Stage 1: Input
Stage 2: Decision making
Stage 3: Output
Stage 4: Feedback `
Describe each step of the information processing model
Input: Data received from the display via the performer’s senses
Decision making: Data is analysed and an appropriate response is selected with the help of their memory.
Output: The decision is acted on.
Feedback: Data is received in response to the output. Feedback can be received Intrinsically ( eg Kinaesthetic ) or Extrinsically
Define Guidance
(Name the types)
A method of conveying information to a performer. Guidance can be visual, verbal, manual or mechanical.
What is visual guidance?
It is presented in a form that the performer can see. It can include anything from a live demonstration to a video or a film, a poster, a chart or court markings
Advantages of visual guidance
.Useful for all levels of performer
.Especially good for beginners
.Vision is most people’s dominant sense
.Allows performers to see what is required
.Specific aspects of a whole skill can be observed
.Performers can copy what they have seen
Disadvantages of visual guidance
.The demonstration or image must be good quality
.Some skills are too complex to demonstrate
.It is not effective if performers are not paying attention
What is verbal guidance?
When a coach describes how to perform a skill or tells the performer something. The performer hears the guidance.
Advantages of verbal guidance
.Especially useful for higher level performers
.It is a good way of highlighting key teaching points
.It is useful for sharing basic information and instructions
.Questioning can often make the performer think
Disadvantages of verbal guidance
.It can result in information overload
.It can be boring
.Sports arenas are often noisy, making it hard to hear the guidance
.Complex things are often difficult to explain verbally
What is manual guidance?
Involves a coach physically moving a performer into the correct position or supporting them as they perform a skill
Advantages of manual guidance
.It is good for complete beginners
.It allows the performer to develop the correct feel
Disadvantages of manual guidance
.A movement can feel different if someone else is moving your body for you
.A performer may not think they are actually performing the skill themself
What is mechanical guidance?
Takes place when objects or aids are used to assist in the coaching process. Eg Swimming floats or harnesses in gymnastics
Advantages of mechanical guidance
.It is good for potentially dangerous skills
.It can allow for a movement without fear
.It is good for building confidence
Disadvantages of mechanical guidance
.The equipment needed may be expensive
.The performer can come to rely on the aid
Define Feedback
the information a performer receives about their performance. Feedback can be given during and/or after a performance
What is positive feedback?
about what was good or correct about the performance
Advantages for positive feedback
.Motivates the performer especially beginners
.It makes all performers feel that they had successful aspects to their performance
Disadvantages for positive feedback
.It can emphasise positive aspects too highly and suggest that the overall performance was better than it actually was
What is negative feedback?
about what was bad or incorrect about the performance
Advantages of negative feedback
.Enables a coach to provide guidance on how a skill should be performed correctly or better
.It can help performers to prioritise the specific skills they need to improve
Disadvantages of negative feedback
.It can become very demoralising, particularly for beginners
.Too many negative comments can leave the performer struggling to know how to respond ( particularly for beginners )
What is Knowledge of Results?
Feedback on results provided by the performer with information about their placing in a tournament or the time it took them to complete a race
Advantages of knowledge of results
.It gives the performer a quick measure of their success
Disadvantages of Knowledge of results
.It can be demoralising for other performers in situations where there can only be one winner
What is Knowledge of performance?
Feedback on performance provides the performer with information about their performance generally and their technique specifically
Advantages of Knowledge of performance
There are many aspects to performance so the feedback can be very detailed (for experienced performers but less for beginners)
Disadvantages of Knowledge of performance
.It can be challenging to break a performance down in order to provide the detailed feedback required by experienced performers
Define Extrinsic Feedback
information a performer receives about their performance from outside themselves, such as from a coach
Advantages of Extrinsic Feedback
.Beginners need extrinsic feedback from coaches to be made aware of , and learn basic skills and techniques
.More experienced performers can combine extrinsic and intrinsic feedback to gain a full picture of their performance.
Disadvantages of Extrinsic Feedback
.It can be difficult to get the advice and help of a qualified coach, especially for beginners
Define Intrinsic Feedback
information a performer receives from within
Advantages of Intrinsic Feedback
.Performers ( particularly experienced ones ) can make immediate adjustments
Disadvantages of Intrinsic Feedback
Requires a high level of knowledge to be able to identify precisely what did not work well and what needs to be done to improve
Define Kinaesthetic Feedback
received by receptors in the muscles. Physical sensations generated by movements are felt by the performer and provide a form of intrinsic feedback
Define arousal
a physical and mental state of alertness/readiness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement or alertness
Describe what the inverted U theory is
.States that an optimal performance occurs when a performer reaches an optimal level of arousal ( more explained in the diagram )
Name the three stress management techniques
.Deep breathing
.Mental rehearsal, visualisation and imagery
.Positive self talk
Define and explain Deep Breathing
.Taking slow,deep breaths while relaxed to return breathing to its regular rhythm which increases supply of oxygen to the brain, helping to limit arousal
Define: Mental rehearsal, visualisation and imagery
cognitive relaxation techniques involving control of mental thought and imagining positive outcomes
Define Positive Self talk
a cognitive relaxation technique involving developing positive thoughts about your performance
Define aggression
Name the two types
often defined as a deliberate intent to harm or injure another person, but in sport it can be more controlled.
The two types are direct and indirect
Define Direct aggression
an aggressive act that involves physical contact with others
Define Indirect aggression
an aggressive act that does not involve direct physical contact. It is taken out on an object in order to gain an advantage.
Define Introvert
a quiet, shy, passive and reserved personality type, usually associated with individual sports performance
Define Extrovert
a sociable, active, talkative and outgoing personality type, usually associated with team sports
Define Motivation
the drive to succeed, or the desire to achieve or be inspired to do something. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic.
Intrinsic Motivation
the drive to succeed that comes from within
Extrinsic Motivation
the drive to perform well or to win in order to gain external rewards
