Basics of Sport Psychology
This field studies mental factors influencing performance in sport and exercise.
Sport Psychology
Motivation is defined as this internal state that energizes behavior and gives it direction.
an internal state or condition
This mental training process uses imagination to strengthen neurological pathways for muscle coordination.
imagery
Stress can be healthy because it helps increase this.
awareness and focus
Self-confidence reflects an athlete’s assessment of this.
self-worth
It’s often said that performance in a sport is this percentage mental.
95%
Motivation driven by external rewards like money or praise is called this.
extrinsic motivation
Imagery allows athletes to do this with complex skills.
slow down and isolate movements
Name two common transitional stress points for athletes.
moving from high school to college and retiring from athletics
Overconfidence can lead to this negative outcome
decreased performance or serious failure
Name two mental skills sport psychologists help athletes develop.
self-confidence and motivation?
Name two benefits of effective goal setting according to research.
improved performance and reduced stress
Simulation improves training by introducing these real-world elements.
stresses like timing, judging, or spectators
Burnout often manifests as this drastic decision.
quitting a sport or activity once enjoyed?
True self-confidence should be based on this.
observed reality and achievement of performance goals
Sport psychology emphasizes the connection between these three elements.
mind and athletic performance
Goals should be expressed this way and documented for success.
positively and in writing
Simulation is considered superior to imagery because of this reason.
the vividness of real circumstances
One major cause of burnout in young athletes is this early emphasis.
winning and performance over enjoyment
Name two damaging extremes of confidence.
overconfidence and underconfidence
Originally, sport psychology was thought to only help athletes with these.
problems or issues (not healthy athletes)
These types of goals are better than outcome goals because they focus on controllable factors.
performance goals
Imagery can help athletes pre-experience this before actual competition.
the achievement of goals
Name three strategies to manage stress effectively
goal setting, meditation, and positive thinking
This branch of sports psychology focuses on research and teaching.
academic sports psychology