Role and Use of Sports Psychologists

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOShjH60tZo&feature=related

What is Sports Psychology?? • How performance effects the mind and how the

mind effects performance.

• The study of human behaviour in sports settings due to influences of:– The athletes coach– The athlete themselves– The environment

• A Standard Training tool to:– Describe, explain and predict the ATTITUDE,

BEHAVIOUR and FEELINGS of the athlete.

The Aims of a Sport Psychologist

• Helping overcome any pressures that the athlete may have from coach, parent and themselves

• Teaching strategies/techniques to improve the athletes performance

• At times of poor emotional well-being; providing psychological assistance

• Increasing the enjoyment and satisfaction of the athlete or team by education.

Types of Psychological Skills for Optimal

Performance taught by Sports Psychologists

Mental Imagery Goal DevelopmentConcentration

Skills

Anxiety andArousal Control

Relaxation Techniques

Practice makes Perfect!

Examples of Techniques Taught to Athletes

Focusing• ‘Staying in a controlled emotional state and

concentration on the immediate event’*

• Inner thoughts are often used to maintain focus related to either; technique relaxation or self encouragement.

• Focus Points may also be used.

* PDHPE Application and Inquiry HSC Course, Oxford Publishing 2000 Page 333

E.g. ‘I can do this’ ‘I am in control’ ‘Be smooth’ ‘Stay low’

E.g. Counting Strides, Concentrating on the finishing line

Centering

• Similar to focusing, however the process involves the athlete feeling grounded, calm and clear in mind or thought.

• Athlete is in total control of what is happening

• The athlete is ‘Centered’

• Usually a centre of gravity is used

• Involving breathing techniques and focusing

Self-Talk

• Basically Self-Talk is talking to yourself based on the:

Physical TaskEmotional

Mood

E.g. ‘up the hill’‘quick and hard’

E.g. ‘you are the best’

‘you feel strong’

Consider the Following:

• 13 year old Susie is a gymnast who has had trouble performing a handspring vault for the last three weeks.

1. What psychological techniques would be useful in each of the above situation?

2. Why?3. If you were Susie’s coach what would

you say or do?

ANSWER• 1.

– Imagery– Concentration– Positive Self Talk– Goal Setting – Focusing– Centreing

• 2. Enables the athlete to imagine the skill that needs to be learnt and see how it is done properly. Centreing will enable Susie to be balanced whilst maintaining focus. By telling herself she can do it, her confidence will increase.

3. Employ a sport psychologist to teach Sally the psychological skills, as well as encouraging Susie and being patient with her.

Bibliography

• Mind Tools- Essential Skills for an Excellent Career, (1998-2008) (online) www.mindtools.com (retrieved on 1/5/08)

• You Tube; Show 1 - Three Myths About Sports Psychology (September 18, 2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOShjH60tZo&feature=related (retrieved on the 8/5/08)

• PDHPE 2 Unit HSC Course 2008 Option 4-Improving Performance. Able Publishing 2007

• PDHPE Application and Inquiry HSC Course, Oxford Publishing 2000 Pages 332-334

• PDHPE Outcomes Text Book Page 463-464