Sport Psychology Flashcards

Flashcards on Sport Psychology

Ideal Performance State (IPS) - “The Zone”

Temporary state of supreme focus where athlete performs at absolute best, helping athletes in all sports perform at their peak potential.

Individual Zone of Optimal Performance (IZOF)

Theory that each athlete has their own unique emotional zone where they can perform at best.

Intrinsic Motivation

Desire to perform a behaviour because it is inherently satisfying; more powerful as a motivator.

Extrinsic Motivation

When a behaviour is performed for contingencies other than those inherent to the activity, like reward or to avoid punishment.

Self Confidence

Belief an athlete can successfully perform a desired behaviour.

Stress

Process in which there is a substantial imbalance between demand and a response capability, where failure to meet that demand has consequences.

Concentration

Ability to focus on the task at hand, that is the relevant cues, while at the same time blocking out any irrelevant cues or distractions.

Arousal

Degree of stimulation or alertness present in an individual about to perform; Blend of physiological and psychological activity in a performer.

Selective Attention

Focus on relevant cues whilst ignoring irrelevant ones.

Situational Awareness

Understanding situation around one.

Self Confidence

Belief an athlete can successfully perform a desired behavior; can be trait-like or state-like.

Stress Management

Techniques used to cope with stress; Includes cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Stress Process

The process involves environmental demands, individual's appraisal of demands, stress response, and behavioral consequences.

Concentration

Ability to focus on relevant cues while blocking out distractions; Vital for optimal performance.

Inverted-U Hypothesis

Model to explain the relationship between arousal and performance; Suggests optimal performance occurs at a moderate arousal level.

Competitive Anxiety

Anxiety or tension that occurs before or during competition; Can be cognitive (mental) or somatic (physical).

Imagery

Using visualization to mentally rehearse a task or performance; Enhances self-confidence and reduces anxiety.

Cognitive Restructuring

Managing thoughts and self-talk to enhance performance; Includes techniques like positive self-talk and thought-stopping.

Somatic Relaxation

Relaxation techniques to reduce physical tension; Includes progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises.

Trait Anxiety

An individual's general tendency to perceive situations as threatening or non-threatening.

State Anxiety

Anxiety experienced in a specific situation.

Narrow Focus

Attentional style where focus is narrow and directed at specific cues; Useful for tasks requiring precision.

Broad Focus

Attentional style where focus is broad and encompasses many cues simultaneously; Useful for situational awareness.

Self-Talk

Internal dialogue; Can be positive or negative, impacting confidence and performance.

Negative Self-Talk

Thoughts that undermine confidence and create anxiety.

Thought Stopping

Reframing negative thoughts into positive or neutral ones.

Goal Setting

Mental skill of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.

Pressure Training

A mental technique used to help athletes cope with the increased pressure.

Mindfulness

Focusing on the present moment and avoiding overthinking about the past or future.

Sport Experience

An experience that involves the mental, emotional, and physical states of an athlete.

Mental Skills Training

Can enhance physical abilities, self-confidence, motivation, and possibly reduce injury.