Sports psychology - key terms

Question 1

Skill

Answer 1

a learned action or behaviour, with the intention of bringing about pre-determined results with maximum certainty and minimum outlay of time and energy.

Question 2

Ability

Answer 2

an inherited, stable trait that determines an individual’s potential to learn or acquire a skill.

Question 3

Trait

Answer 3

distinguishing qualities or characteristics belonging to a person.

Question 4

Basic skill

Answer 4

a skill that doesn’t require much concentration.

Question 5

Complex skill

Answer 5

a skill that requires a great deal of concentration and coordination to perform.

Question 6

Open skill

Answer 6

a skill that is performed in a certain way to deal with a changing or unstable environment.

Question 7

Closed skill

Answer 7

a skill that is not affected by the environment or performers within it. The skill tends to be done the same way each time.

Question 8

Self paced skill

Answer 8

a skill is started when the performer decides to start it. The speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by the performer.

Question 9

Externally paced skill

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Gross movement skill

Answer 10

a skill that uses large muscle groups to perform big, strong, powerful movements.

Question 11

Fine movement skill

Answer 11

a skill involving small, precise movements, showing high levels of accuracy and coordination. It involves the use of a small group of muscles.

Question 12

Performance goals

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Outcome goals

Answer 13

Goals that focus on the end result, on winning.

Question 14

SMART target

Answer 14

a goal setting technique that can be used to increase motivation and reduce anxiety. Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic, Time-bound.

Question 15

Information processing

Answer 15

the process that a performer goes through when they make and act on decisions. 4 steps: input, decision-making, output, feedback

Question 16

Intrinsic feedback

Answer 16

information a performer receives from within.

Question 17

Kinaesthetic feedback

Answer 17

received by receptors in the muscles. Physical sensations generated by movements are felt by the performer and provide a form of intrinsic feedback.

Question 18

Extrinsic feedback

Answer 18

information a performer receives about their performance from outside themselves, such as from a coach.

Question 19

Guidance

Answer 19

a method of conveying information to a performer. Can be: visual, verbal, manual, mechanical.

Question 20

Feedback

Answer 20

the information a performer receives about their performance. Can be given during and / or after a performance.

Question 21

Positive feedback

Answer 21

what was correct / good about the performance.

Question 22

Negative feedback

Answer 22

what was incorrect / bad about the performance.

Question 23

Knowledge of results

Answer 23

provides performer with information about their placing in a tournament / time it took them to complete a race.

Question 24

Knowledge of performance

Answer 24

provides performer with information about their performance generally and their technique more specifically.

Question 25

Arousal

Answer 25

a physical and mental state of alertness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement.

Question 26

Deep breathing

Answer 26

taking slow deep breaths whilst relaxed.

Question 27

Mental rehearsal, visualisation and inagery

Answer 27

cognitive relaxation techniques involving control of mental thoughts and positive outcomes.

Question 28

Positive self talk

Answer 28

a cognitive relaxation technique involving developing positive thoughts about your performance.

Question 29

Aggression

Answer 29

often defined as a deliberate intent to harm. In sport it can be more controlled.

Question 30

Indirect aggression

Answer 30

an aggressive act that doesn’t involve direct physical contact. It is taken out on an object to gain an advantage.

Question 31

Direct aggession

Answer 31

an aggressive act that involves physical contact with others.

Question 32

Introvert

Answer 32

a quiet, shy, passive and reserved personality type, usually associated with individual sports performance.

Question 33

Extrovert

Answer 33

a sociable, active, talkative and outgoing personality type, usually associated with team sports.

Question 34

Motivation

Answer 34

the drive to succeed, or the desire to achieve or be inspired to do something. Can be intrinsic or extrinsic.

Question 35

Intrinsic motivation

Answer 35

the drive to succeed that comes from within.

Question 36

Extrinsic motivation

Answer 36

the drive to perform well or to win in order to gain external rewards.