Sports psychology - key terms Flashcards
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.
Ability
an inherited, stable trait that determines an individual’s potential to learn or acquire a skill.
Trait
distinguishing qualities or characteristics belonging to a person.
Basic skill
a skill that doesn’t require much concentration.
Complex skill
a skill that requires a great deal of concentration and coordination to perform.
Open skill
a skill that is performed in a certain way to deal with a changing or unstable environment.
Closed skill
a skill that is not affected by the environment or performers within it. The skill tends to be done the same way each time.
Self paced skill
a skill is started when the performer decides to start it. The speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by the performer.
Externally paced skill
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.
Gross movement skill
a skill that uses large muscle groups to perform big, strong, powerful movements.
Fine movement skill
a skill involving small, precise movements, showing high levels of accuracy and coordination. It involves the use of a small group of muscles.
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.
Outcome goals
Goals that focus on the end result, on winning.
SMART target
a goal setting technique that can be used to increase motivation and reduce anxiety. Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic, Time-bound.
Information processing
the process that a performer goes through when they make and act on decisions. 4 steps: input, decision-making, output, feedback
Intrinsic feedback
information a performer receives from within.
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.
Extrinsic feedback
information a performer receives about their performance from outside themselves, such as from a coach.
Guidance
a method of conveying information to a performer. Can be: visual, verbal, manual, mechanical.
Feedback
the information a performer receives about their performance. Can be given during and / or after a performance.
Positive feedback
what was correct / good about the performance.
Negative feedback
what was incorrect / bad about the performance.
Knowledge of results
provides performer with information about their placing in a tournament / time it took them to complete a race.
Knowledge of performance
provides performer with information about their performance generally and their technique more specifically.
Arousal
a physical and mental state of alertness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement.
Deep breathing
taking slow deep breaths whilst relaxed.
Mental rehearsal, visualisation and inagery
cognitive relaxation techniques involving control of mental thoughts and positive outcomes.
Positive self talk
a cognitive relaxation technique involving developing positive thoughts about your performance.
Aggression
often defined as a deliberate intent to harm. In sport it can be more controlled.
Indirect aggression
an aggressive act that doesn’t involve direct physical contact. It is taken out on an object to gain an advantage.
Direct aggession
an aggressive act that involves physical contact with others.
Introvert
a quiet, shy, passive and reserved personality type, usually associated with individual sports performance.
Extrovert
a sociable, active, talkative and outgoing personality type, usually associated with team sports.
Motivation
the drive to succeed, or the desire to achieve or be inspired to do something. 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.
