Unit 4: Sport Psychology

Confidence results from the comparison an athlete makes between their goal and their ability.

Is a persons’s belief in themselves and their abilities

Is a situational form of self-confidence

Relates to the value or importance placed on a given task which can impact an individuals self-efficacy eg. winning a state championship, representing country.

Individuals are most likely to feel confident, apply themselves and be persistent in the face of difficulty. They choose more challenging tasks, try harder and persist longer.

Worry, anxiety or even depression. May avoid a particular activity or give up when initial attempts are unsuccessful.

Consistent success has been linked to complacency and overconfidence. Successful people often reduce their attention because they have no reason to change strategies or standards.

Performance accomplishments Vicarious experience Verbal persuasion Physiological states.

If we have succeeded in a certain activity previously, we are confident we can do it again.

This relates to when we see someone succeed and we think ‘if we can do it, I can too’.

When a coach or external source convinces us we can do something. Coaches often try to boost our confidence by convincing athletes that a challenge is within their capabilities.

Relates to the way we feel physiologically as an indication of how confident we are eg. Butterflies in stomach.

Goals are aims or targets which give our efforts direction and purpose, needed for training and competitions.

Process Performance Outcome Short and Long term The stepping stone model

Focus on actions (physical movement and game strategy) Enable athletes to regularly achieve Effective so something can be taken from performance if result is not achieved

Focus on achieving standards or performance objectives usually on the basis of comparisons of own previous performances. Have greatest control of this type of goal Less anxiety and greater self confidence, leading to improvement.

Typically focus on competitive result of an event such as end results, times, finishing place, ranking or medals. Depends also on the ability of opponents. Hard to achieve due to factors outside athletes control

Short term goals provide a more manageable focus point and act as a stepping stone to achieving long term goals. Long term goals aim at a broader target and are often set at the start of the season

A staircase analogy with long term goal at the top and the present level of ability at the bottom and a sequence of progressively linked, short term goals connecting the top and bottom has been showed to improve performance

Enhance focus and concentration Boost self confidence Create a positive mental attitude Increase intrinsic motivation to excel Improve the quality of practices by making training more challenging Enhance playing skill, technique and strategies Improve overall performance

SMARTER Specific Measurable Agreed Realistic Time framed Evaluate Recorded

Cover all the actions and events leading up to the competition to ensure athletes are at a peak physical and mental condition at the time of competition.

Prior to arrival at the venue At competition venue

Be in the best physical and mental condition to begin final preparation at competition venue and include: Rest, diet, equipment, spare time, travel and mental prep.