Exercise Science Section 20: The Psychology of Sport An Introduction to Health and Physical Education Ted Temertzoglou Paul Challen ISBN 1-55077-132-9

Sport Psychology Sport psychology Study placed within context of sports How people think, feel, and behave in sporting situations The mental processes that motivate the way they behave in training and competition © iStockphoto.com/”jbpcpa”

The Mental and Physical Connection Connection between brain activity and workings of muscles, joints, limbs, and bodily systems In athletic performance, cerebral cortex plays key role Generates general mental state prior to athletic event Nervousness might lead to extra stimulus being placed on muscles and the development of “nervous tension” Controllable through relaxation exercises and techniques

Performance States Ideal performance state The complete absence of doubt and fear of failure, and a general lack of inhibition A very narrow focus of attention with little or no signs of distraction from the goals of competition A sense of effortlessness and simply “letting it happen” Powerful feelings of being “in control” of one’s performance

Key Terms in Sport Psychology Arousal “Being psyched up” Athlete feels ready physically and psychologically Anxiety General sense of uncertainty Muscular tension/“Butterflies”

Key Terms – cont’d Relaxation Mind-body state with no anxiety Concentration Ability to keep one’s focus without being distracted Determine what is relevant and irrelevant to performance Motivation Direction and intensity of effort Direction refers to attraction to certain sport situations Intensity refers to amount of physical and mental energy given

Audience and Fatigue Role of the audience Some react positively to large crowds Encouragement Others better suited to settings of isolation Tools to control responses to audience Fatigue Mental state where feelings of tiredness can lead to decreases in performance “push through pain to realize new performance levels © iStockphoto.com/”LordRunar”

Factors Affecting Performance Self-Talk Internal monologue going through athlete’s mind before competition Can be encouraging or discouraging Athletes need to regulate and control internal talk in a “positive” way to use it to achieve peak performance Imagery and Visualization Tools used to assist seeing oneself succeed A powerful impetus for success

Factors Affecting Performance – cont’d Hypnosis Two types Heterohypnosis Placed under hypnosis by another person Self-hypnosis Placed under hypnosis by self Three phases Induction Create feeling of relaxation Subject feels sleepy Hypnotic Able to carry out suggestions Waking hypnosis Wake-up Coming out of “trance” upon therapist’s signal

Factors Affecting Performance – cont’d Relaxation/Arousal Regulation Enforce a state of relaxation over mind and body leading to enhanced performance by removing anxiety Tools include: Breathing exercises Meditation Imagery Developing concentration Selective attention Positive self-talk Duplicating distractions during practice Cue words

Factors Affecting Performance – cont’d Improving Motivation Four basic principles that relate to athletes: Personal traits vs. environment Multiple Motives Staying Motivated Leadership © iStockphoto.com/”amygdala_imagery”

Factors Affecting Performance – cont’d Goal Setting Objective goals Empirically quantifiable Subjective goals Outcomes harder to quantify S.M.A.R.T. Principle Specific Able to be precisely defined Measurable Able to be quantified Attainable Within an athlete’s limitations Realistic Attainable within constraints Timely Achievable within a set time frame

The Quest for Excellence Orlick’s wheel of excellence suggest seven key elements of excellence: Commitment Focused connection Confidence Positive images Mental readiness Distraction control Ongoing learning

Sport Psychology and Children Can have significant impact on approach to sports from a physical, social, and mental perspective Children respond well to praise and encouragement Enjoyment of activities will help them build skills and confidence Children benefit from participation during both games and practices