SPORTS

PSYCHOLOGY

*Is a proficiency that uses psychological

knowledge and skills to address optimal

performance and well-being of athletes,
developmental and social aspects of sports
participation, and systematic issues
association with sports setting and
organizations.
*Is an interdisciplinary science that draws
on knowledge from many related fields
including biomechanics, physiology,
kinesiology and psychology

Four Psychological Phases

*ANGER- athletes

often become angry with

themselves, those around them, and
everything in general
why me?
what did I do wrong?
its not fair

*Bargaining- athlete becomes

aware of real nature of injury
and begins to have doubts
about situation.
*Depression- athletes
becomes aware of the nature
of the injury and recovery
time, depression may set it.

*Acceptance- athlete becomes

resigned to situation.
>applies maximal effort to rehab
>accepts limitations and focuses
on getting back to participation

ATHLETES WHO DENY

PAIN OR LOSS OF
FUNCTION
*Some athletes can tolerate high
levels of pain
*They think it is to their advantage
not to acknowledge pain or an injury
*Fear they will lose playing time if
coaches, trainers know they are hurt

ATHLETES WHO VIEW INJURY

AS A SOURCE OF RELIEF
*An injury can provide a
socially acceptable reason to
avoid the pressure to succed.
*If an athletes cant compete
because of an injury, they
cant fail.

GOALS
*Allows

for long & short term motivation

*Enables athletes to track progress
*Raises self-confidence
*Makes it easier for athletes to separate what is
important
*Help organize the quality of daily training
*Should be:
*Written down
*Positive
*Associated with a reward

PERFORMANCE GOALS
*Achieving

individual skills or behavior

*Allows athlete to set goals over
things they have control of
*More effective

OUTCOME GOALS
*Directed towards the end result
*Usually based on the reward of
winning
*Athletes generally have little or no
control over other competitors, which
affect outcome goals
*Can increase pressure the athlete
feels to be the best

SMART GOALS
How to write goals that will increase an
athletes chance of achieving the goal
Specific- well defined- what, why, how
Measurable- how to know the goal is achieved
Adjustable- can change goal as needed
Realistic- the goal is something the athlete is
willing to work for and is able to accomplish
Time- should have a time frame for
completing the goal

Sports Psychologist
they work with athletes to improve
performance and recover from injuries.
Sports psychologists do not just work with
elite and professional athletes. They also
help regular people learn how to enjoy
sports and learn to stick to an exercise
program.

FOCUSED BREATHING

can help reduce stress and anxiety

Slow rhythmic placed breathing
In through the nose, out through
the mouth
Belly breathing- extend the belly
instead of the chest rising

BURNOUT

State of physical, mental, and emotional

exhaustion where an individual has their
abilities to cope with minor daily
frustrations decreased and their ability to
cope with major problems paralyzed

Characterized by loss of motivation and

interest

INTERVENTIONS TO TREAT BURNOUT

Remove from activity

Take time off
Athlete have more control
Decrease emotional demands
Avoid repetitions
Sufficient attention to complaints and
small injuries
Supportive and caring environment