Sports Psychology Definitions

Question 1

Define self-confidence

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Define concentration

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Define arousal

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Define motivation

Answer 4

The direction and intensity of one’s effort.

Question 5

Define 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

Define 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

Define relaxation

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Define imagery

Answer 8

The mental creation of a successful performance of a skill prepares an individual mentally.

Question 9

Define performance routines

Answer 9

Are a sequence of relevant thoughts and actions that an athlete engages in prior, during, or after a performance. They assist with focus, concentration and arousal levels. They decrease the chances of being affected by internal or external distractors.

Question 10

Define self talk

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Define intrinsic motivation

Answer 11

Refers to internal motivation that results from participation in sport.

Question 12

Define extrinsic motivation

Answer 12

The external motivations that result from participation in sport.

Question 13

Define selective concentration

Answer 13

Focusing on certain relevant cues and ignoring the irrelevant cues.

Question 14

Define shiftable concentration

Answer 14

Broad focus to narrow focus.

Question 15

Define divisible concentration

Answer 15

Focus on more than one skill at a time.

Question 16

Define selective attention

Answer 16

Focusing on important cues and ignoring distractions that will affect your performance.

Question 17

Define maintaining attention

Answer 17

Being able to concentrate for the duration of the event.

Question 18

Define 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

Define Broad external in terms of Nideffer’s model of attention

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Define broad internal in terms of Nideffer’s model of attention

Answer 20

Where attention is paid to a number of internal thoughts and images.

Question 21

Define narrow external in terms of Nideffer’s model of attention

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Define narrow internal in terms of Nideffer’s model of attention

Answer 22

Focus on specific images and thoughts when rehearsing a performance.

Question 23

Define psycological skills training

Answer 23

Is the regular practice of mental skills with the goal of improving physical skills. Strong mental skills are crucial in developing “mental toughness”.

Question 24

What effect does being a mentally tough athlete enable?

Answer 24

1. Has the ability to focus and concentrate
2. Can rebound from failure
3. Can deal with pressure
4. Persists against diversity