Psychological+Preparations


 * __THE ROLE AND USE OF SPORTS PSYCHOLOGISTS__**



Sports Psychologists have bused in sport for decodes. The role of the sports psychologist is to prepare the athlete mentally for competition. This may involve:
 * Stress management techniques
 * Motivation
 * Short term and long term goal setting
 * Concentration skills
 * Arousal
 * Relaxation techniques


 * THESE HAVE ALL BEEN DISCUSSED IN FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE**

Other skills that sport pshycholohists attempt to develop with athletes include:
 * **__Focusing:__** The sports psychologist is concerned with the athlete remaining in a controlled emotional state and concentrating or focusing on the task at hand when teaching the athlete this skill. Athletes are taught to concentrate/focus on correct technique, staying relaxed and remaining positive about their performance. Specific words and thought are often used when focusing.


 * **__Centreng:__** The sport psychologist is concerned with the athlete remaining calm and clear in thought and control when teaching the athlete this skill. By doing this, the athlte avoids becoming anxious and stressed which leads to an improed performance. Athletes are taught to control their feelings and 'centre' their thoughts on the task at hand. The use of breathing techniques can also be used to enhance this skill.

media type="youtube" key="usnMVP1j64E" height="344" width="425" ACTIVITY 1
 * **__Self-Talk:__** The sport psychologist is concerned with positive talk when teaching the athlete this skill. This involves the athlete talking to themselves in a positive manner concerning their performance. Self talk is most often used to correct skill technique, reherse a skill or to re focus after the skill has been performed.

Describe the four benefits/aims of the sports psychologist from pg 464 of your text.

ACTIVITY 2

Complete the questions at the end of the powerpoint presentation.


 * __RELAXATION TECHNIQUES__**

Many athletes experience high levels of stress, anxiety and tension before competition, which has a negative effect on their performance. For these athletes relaxation techniques are often useful as they help to relax both the mind and body. Relaxation techniques need to be learnt and continually practiced. What works for one athlete may not work for another.

ACTIVITY 3

Reasearch the following relaxation techniques by outlining what you do and what the benefits are: media type="youtube" key="SiPcinQYYNo" height="344" width="425" media type="youtube" key="NaQdT0G2oZA" height="344" width="425" media type="youtube" key="Qacb2p69y5Y" height="344" width="425" media type="youtube" key="oriSZjQhFLI" height="344" width="425" ACTICITY 4: Extension activity
 * Progressive Muscular Relaxation
 * Breathing Techniques(centred breathing)
 * Meditation
 * Visualisation Techniques

Complete the activities from hsc online by clicking on the link below.

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