1. Sports Psychology
Unit 11

2. Five Psychological Phases – video clip
Through the eyes of “Inside Out”

3. Five Psychological Phases
Denial – Athletes commonly deny the seriousness of the condition
“Nothing is really wrong”
“This can’t happen to me”

4. Five Psychological Phases
Anger – Athletes often become angry with themselves, those around them, & everything in general
“Why me?”
“What did I do wrong?”
“It’s not fair”
May lose interest in rehab

5. Five Psychological Phases
Bargaining – Athlete becomes aware of real nature of injury & begins to have doubts about situation – leads to bargaining
Pressure on therapy staff to “work miracles”

6. Five Psychological Phases
Depression – Athlete becomes aware of the nature of the injury & recovery time, depression may set in.

7. Five Psychological Phases
Acceptance – Athlete becomes resigned to situation.
Applies maximal effort to rehab
Accepts limitations & focuses on getting back to participation.

8. Athletes who deny pain or loss of function
Some athletes can tolerate high levels of pain
They think it is to their advantage not to acknowledge pain or an injury
Fear they will lose playing time if coaches, trainers know they are hurt.

9. Athletes who view injury as a source of relief
An injury can provide a socially acceptable reason to avoid the pressure to succeed.
If an athletes can’t compete because of an injury, they can’t fail.

10. Goals Allows for long & short term motivation
Enables athletes to track progress
Raises self-confidence
Makes it easier for athletes to separate what is important
Help organize the quality of daily training
Should be:
Written down
Positive
Associated with a reward

11. Performance Goals Achieving individual skills or behavior
Allows athlete to set goals over things they have control of
More effective

12. Outcome Goals Directed towards the end result
Usually based on the reward of winning
Athletes generally have little or no control over other competitors, which affect outcome goals
Can increase pressure the athlete feels to be the best

13. SMART Goals
How to write goals that will increase an athlete’s chance of achieving the goal
Specific – well defined – what, why, how
Measurable – how to know the goal is achieved (times, distances, measurements)
Adjustable – can change goal as needed
Realistic – the goal is something the athlete is willing to work for and is able to accomplish
Time – should have a time frame for completing the goal

14. Focused Breathing Can help reduce stress & anxiety
Slow rhythmic paced breathing
In through the nose, out through the mouth
Belly breathing – extend the belly instead of the chest rising.

15. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Reduce stress by learning to relax
Systematically tense and relax muscles throughout the body
Most common progressions run from toes to head or head to toes
Let the tension dissolve, let go of the tension, let the tension flow out of the body

16. Visual Imagery - Definition
Imagining a specific environment or performing a specific acitivity

17. Visual Imagery General Guidelines
Imagine performing skills very well & successful
Use as many senses as possible: sight, hearing, touch, smell, & kinesthetics
Internal & external perspectives should be used
Athletes should control their mental images, making sure they see themselves perform as they want to.

18. Imagery, Rehabilitation, & healing
Imagination of athletes can greatly influence their response to an injury
Athletes can control their visual images to direct aid in rehab and healing
Imagine injured tissue healing
Mentally practice returning to activity and regaining full movement

19. Imagery & Improving Performance
Athletes “see” themselves being successful & achieving goals
Perform skills at high levels
Seeing desired performance outcomes
Complete a mental run through of the performance
Mange energy levels
Refocus
Evaluate performance

20. Staleness
Definition – loss of vigor, initiative, & successful performance, may be the beginning of burnout
Influences:
Long seasons
Monotony
High levels of stress
Poor eating habits
Rewards are minimum

21. Burnout
Definition – state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion where an individual has their abilities to cope with minor daily frustrations decreased and their ability to cope with major problems paralyzed
Characterized by loss of motivation and interest

22. Interventions to Treat Staleness/Burnout
Remove from activity
Take time off
Athlete have more control
Decrease emotional demands
Avoid repetition
Sufficient attention to complaints & small injuries
Supportive & caring environment