Sports Psycology

Question 1

What is sport psychology?

Answer 1

Studying the mental factors, mastering the mind of an athlete to enhance performance.

Question 2

Inverted u theory. Explain the graph.

Answer 2

Optimal arousal level.

An athlete needs to have an optimal level of arousal to perform successfully.

Question 3

Intrinsic motivation

Answer 3

-internal drives (motivation by challenge)
-love the sport/feeling
-when you want to do something
Eg. Enjoyment, satisfaction

Question 4

Extrinsic motivation

Answer 4

-external drives
-when someone tries to make you do something
Eg. Medals, money, success, sponsorship, recognition

Question 5

Methods to motivate athletes

Answer 5

• give feedback
• pep talks
• punishments
• goal setting
• incentive

Question 6

Under, over and optimal arousal

Answer 6

Under- tired, distracted, disinterested
Over- stressed, anxious, overwhelmed
Optimal- maximum performance (to perform successfully)

Question 7

Physical, mental, and emotional arousal (prepare for performance)

Answer 7

Physical- body is physically ready for sport
Mental- clarity of mind
Emotional- how emotionally ready you are for sport

Question 8

Mental imagery (rehearsal)

Answer 8

(Visualisation) when athletes visualise themselves flawlessly performing a skill/movement. To help rehearse for the event.

Question 9

What is Confidence

Answer 9

Confidence is a positive state of mind and a belief that you can meet the challenge at hand. A feeling of being in control

Question 10

How to improve confidence

Answer 10

Challenge yourself. reward yourself for positive attempts and achievements. This will reinforce achievement and success.

Question 11

Attention/concentration

Answer 11

Concentration is the ability to give your full attention, to avoid distraction.

Question 12

Goal setting

Answer 12

It is whatever you are trying to achieve, objectives, and aims. They are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time framed.

Question 13

Types of motivation

Answer 13

Intrinsic and extrinsic

Question 14

What types of task require a low arousal level

Answer 14

Archery & golf

Question 15

What types of tasks require a higher arousal level

Answer 15

Long jump & sprinting

Question 16

Example of how athletes can increase their arousal level

Answer 16

• music
• warm up
• video footage

Question 17

Examples of how to decrease arousal level

Answer 17

• control breathing

- muscle relaxing exercise

Question 18

Why type of motivation is preferred (intrinsic or extrinsic) why?

Answer 18

Intrinsic as it is desirable, because it is a more powerful and sustainable source of motivation.

Question 19

Characteristics of superior competitors

Answer 19

• never give up
• positive self talk
• prepared for success/win
• never minimise abilities

Question 20

Characteristics of an athlete whose preparation (and performance) is affected by mood swings?

Answer 20

• leaving things to the last minute
• have problems with confidence
• easily loss of concentration

Question 21

What does planned and controlled preparation involve?

Answer 21

• logical attitude
• system/structure approach to performance plan
• understanding of what the athlete is trying to achieve

Question 22

Psychological skill of the athlete can b summarised in 3 phases called:

Answer 22

• education phase
• acquisition phase
• practice phase

Question 23

Acquisition phases areas of importance

Answer 23

• controlling arousal levels
• mental imagery
• concentration skills
• self confidence
• motivation
• goal setting