1. Introduction to Psychological Skills Training
C H A P T E R
Introduction to Psychological Skills Training
Introduction to Psychological Skills Training

2. Session Outline
What Is Psychological Skills Training (PST) and Why Is It Important?
Why Are Psychological Skills Neglected?
PST Myths
PST Knowledge Base
PST Effectiveness
(continued)

3. Session Outline Three Phases of PST
Who Should Implement PST Programs, When, and for How Long?
Designing a PST Program
Common Problems in Implementing PST

4. What Is Psychological Skills Training (PST)?
Psychological skills training refers to the systematic and consistent practice of mental or psychological skills.

5. Importance in Terms of Time Spent Training Psychological Skills
During the season, how long do you spend physically training for competition?
___ Average time spent per day
During your season how long do you spend practicing psychological skills for competition?
___ Average time spent per day
(continued)

6. Importance in Terms of Time Spent Training Psychological Skills
How important do you think psychological or mental skills are to your performance and success?
(1 = Not important; 10 = Essential)

7. Why Is PST Important? Key:
Psychological factors account primarily for day-to-day fluctuations in performance.

8. Why Are Psychological Skills Neglected?
Lack of knowledge
Misunderstandings about psychological skills (e.g., they can’t be learned)
Lack of time

9. PST Myths 1. PST is for “problem” athletes only. 2.
PST is for “elite” athletes only. 3.
PST provides “quick fix” solutions. 4.
PST is not useful.

10. PST Knowledge Base
Research on elite athletes shows that most successful athletes differ from less successful ones because they have
better concentration,
higher confidence,
more task-oriented thoughts,
lower anxiety,
(continued)

11. PST Knowledge Base
Research on elite athletes shows that most successful athletes differ from less successful ones because they have
more positive thoughts and images, and
more determination or commitment.

12. PST Knowledge Base
Athletes and coaches found the most useful topics to be
arousal regulation,
imagery and mental preparation,
increased motivation and commitment (goal setting),
confidence,
(continued)

13. PST Knowledge Base
Athletes and coaches found the most useful topics to be
attention or concentration,
self-talk, and
mental plans.

14. PST Effectiveness
Educationally based psychological skills training enhances sport performance.
Intervention must be individualized, employed systematically over time, and multimodal (combining different psychological skills such as imagery, self-talk, and goal setting).
(continued)

15. PST Effectiveness
Controlled studies on elite athletes, young sport participants, and recreational athletes are needed before more definite conclusions can be reached.

16. Educational Phase 1. Three Phases of PST
Psychological skills need to be learned and practiced. Expect improvement as you develop these skills and refine them over time.

17. Acquisition Phase 2. Three Phases of PST
Focus on strategies and techniques for learning the different psychological skills. Tailor training programs to meet individual needs. You can provide general information to the group or team, but be specific when developing an individual’s PST program.

18. Practice Phase 3. Three Phases of PST
Learning psychological skills should progress from practices and simulations to actual competitions. This phase focuses on automating skills through overlearning, integrating psychological skills, and simulating the skills you want to apply to actual competitions.

19. Implementing PST Programs
Who should conduct PST?
Sport psychologist or coach
When should you implement PST?
In the off-season
How long should training last?
10 to 15 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days per week
Mental training should continue throughout an athlete’s sport participation.

20. Designing a PST Program
Discuss your approach.
Assess the athlete’s mental skills.
Determine which psychological skills to include.
Design a PST schedule.
Evaluate the program.

21. Performance Profile

22. Effective Consultants
Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Sport Psychology Consultants
Effective Consultants
were accessible and could establish rapport with athletes,
were flexible and knowledgeable enough to meet the needs of individual athletes,
were likeable and had something very concrete or practical to offer,
conducted several follow-up sessions with athletes throughout the season, and
were trustworthy and fit in with the team.

23. Ineffective Consultants
Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Sport Psychology Consultants
Ineffective Consultants
had poor interpersonal skills,
lacked sensitivity to the needs of individual athletes,
lacked specific psychology knowledge to apply to the sport setting,
demonstrated inappropriate application of consulting skills at competitions, and
relied on a “canned” approach when implementing psychological skills.

24. Common Problems in Implementing a PST Program
Lack of conviction
Lack of time
Lack of sport knowledge
Lack of follow-up