Sport Psychology

Skill

Skill

refers to the learned capacity or proficiency to perform a specific task or activity effectively.

Ability

refers to the inherent or natural capacity to perform a particular task or activity. 

Basic Skills

These are fundamental skills that form the foundation for more complex abilities.

Complex Skills

These skills involve a combination of basic skills and are often more intricate and demanding. 

Open skills

These skills are performed in an unpredictable or changing environment. 

Closed skills

 These skills are performed in a controlled and stable environment where the conditions are relatively constant.

Self-paced skills

The performer has control over the timing and execution of the skill. 

Extremely paced skills

The timing and execution of the skill are determined by external factors rather than the performer. 

Gross motor skills

These involve the use of large muscle groups and are associated with activities requiring strength, power, and coordination.

Fine motor skills

These involve the use of smaller muscle groups and are associated with precision and dexterity. 

Goal

is perceived as the outcome of a particular effort, and it should be compelling, reflecting something that an individual genuinely desires to accomplish. 

Performance goals

enable athletes to concentrate on aspects of their performance over which they have complete control.

Outcome goals

assist performers in concentrating on the broader objective of what they aim to achieve. 

Specific

state exactly what will need to be done

Measurable

clear what success will look like

Accepted

decided on by all participants in the process

Realistic

know it is practical – steps can be taken to do it

Time bound

state when it will be achieved

Input

Information is gained from the bodies senses and selective attention.

Decision Making

The decision process takes place by comparing the current situation, held in the short term memory, with previous experiences, held in the long term memory, to determine an appropriate action.

Output

The action is performed with reference to the movement pattern stored in long term memory. 

Feedback

Information received via intrinsic (self) or extrinsic (outside) sources is used to repeat the processes or adjust depending on success rate.

Visual guidance

This is often used when a performer is just starting out in the learning process. 

Verbal guidance

Terminology and phrases associated with certain skills can be made simple and straightforward in a clear verbal explanation. 

Manual guidance

This method is used when the skills learnt are dangerous or are complex. 

Mechanical guidance

involves the use of equipment to help support the learner whilst practicing the skill. 

Positive Feedback

identifying what is good or correct about performance.

Negative feedback

Highlighting what is bad or incorrect about performance

Extrinsic feedback

Received (externally) from outside of the performers body, eg from a coach/peer.

Intrinsic feedback

sometimes referred to as kinesthetic feedback, received via receptors in the muscles.

Knowledge of results

Information for performer about time, placing, result

Knowledge of performance

Feedback on performance generally and technique.

Arousal

refers to the degree of activation and alertness that a performer experiences.

Inverted-U theory

proposes that sporting performance improves as arousal levels increase but that there is a threshold point.

under-arousal or boredom

At low arousal levels, performance quality is low. 

optimal arousal

At medium arousal levels, sporting performance peaks. 

panic

At high arousal levels, performance quality deteriorates. 

Imagery

Creating pictures of a successful performance in our mind. 

Mental rehearsal

Can involve both internal and external imagery.

Selective attention

The ability to only focus upon the relevant information or stimuli for the execution of the skill.

Positive thinking

Sometimes called 'positive self-talk' involves the participant being positive about past experiences and performances and future efforts by talking to themselves or thinking how successful they might be. 

Direct aggression

involves open and straightforward confrontations or actions with the intention of causing harm or asserting dominance. 

Indirect aggression

involves more subtle and covert methods to harm or manipulate others. 

Individual Sports

Introverts often thrive in sports that allow them to work independently.

Endurance Sports

Activities that require sustained focus and personal determination can be appealing.

Mind Games

Sports that involve strategy and concentration can align with introverted traits.

Team Sports

Extroverts often excel in sports that involve collaboration and interaction with others.

High-Intensity Sports:

Activities that provide an adrenaline rush and excitement may be appealing.

Performance Sports

Sports where being in the spotlight is a central aspect can suit extroverted individuals.