1. Chapter 10: Sports Psychology

2. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2 Sports Psychology  The study of sport and exercise and the mental factors influencing performance  A fast-growing field with many career opportunities  Careers may be pursued in educational, clinical, or research settings

3. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3 Sports Psychology (cont.)  Sports psychologists can help athletes develop –Goals –Self-confidence –Motivation –Positive self-image –Strategies to cope with stress and disappointment

4. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 4 Goal-Setting  By setting goals, an individual can –Achieve more –Improve performance –Improve the quality of training

5. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5 Goal-Setting (cont.)  By setting goals, an individual can –Increase motivation to achieve at a higher level –Increase pride and satisfaction in performance –Improve self-confidence

6. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6 Goal-Setting Guidelines  Express goals positively  Set priorities  Write goals down  Keep operational goals small

7. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 7 Goal-Setting Guidelines (cont.)  Set performance goals, not outcome goals  Set specific goals  Set goals at the highest level  Set both short- and long-term goals

8. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 8 Imagery and Simulation  Imagery is the process of reviewing and training in the mind only, using visualization.  Simulation is the process of making physical training circumstances as close as possible to the real competition.

9. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 9 Stress  Stress may affect the performance of athletes and can result from –Transitional stress –Injuries –Burnout

10. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 10 Self-Confidence  One of the most important attributes an athlete can have  Confidence should be based on observed reality  Goal-setting may be the most effective way to build self- confidence