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Researchers in sports psychology have identified several common psychological factors characteristic of peak performance in sports. They are:
These
characteristics and other popular terms in sports such as “in the
groove” and “in the zone” are generally used in sports by athletes
and coaches to describe a performance feeling where almost everything went
right for them that day. However,
athletes and coaches are often at a loss to explain how this state and/or
repeat it.
Sports
psychology researchers have viewed peak performance as a state of superior
functioning results in personal bests and outstanding achievements.
Several common psychological approaches have introduced the concept
of peak performance to explain those moments when an individual
experiences feelings of “total unity, inner strength” within their
sport. Another term, the “flow experience” describes an optimal psychological state, one involving total observation in the task or activity. Other researchers have also identified that the peak performance athletes deal more readily with their competitive mistakes, possessed higher levels of self confidence, engaged in more positive self-talk, and were able to employ vivid mental imagery to their advantage. In general, when athletes’ energies are totally focused (e.g., utilizing a disciplined concentration routine), they may begin to experience peak concentration and confidence that can lead to “flow.” It is in this state that lifetime peak performance in sports often occurs. Therefore, the challenge for athletes and coaches is to develop the necessary psychological skills and strategies within an individualized game plan, which will give athletes the opportunity to perform closest to their optimal level of performance on any given day. peak concentration and confidence that can lead to “flow.” It is in this state that lifetime peak performance in sports often occurs. Therefore, the challenge for athletes and coaches is to develop the necessary psychological skills and strategies within an individualized game plan, which will give athletes the opportunity to perform closest to their optimal level of performance on any given day.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
SKILLS
Psychological
skills for sports include: confidence, goal setting, relaxation,
visualization or mental rehearsal, concentration, motivation, arousal,
attention control. These
skills are seldom utilized in isolation. Rather, elite athletes combine them in response to the
situational demands they face in competition.
Psychological
Skill: Task Focus -
Utilization of Process Goals
The
goals skills setting literature in sports psychology has identified
three different types of goals: a) outcome, b) performance, and c)
process goals. Some
athletes and/or coaches utilize outcome goals, which refer to outcomes
of games (e.g., focus on winning) where a comparison to others is
predominant, in an effort to win. However,
researchers have demonstrated that outcome goals are often accompanied
by pressure and tension, which often disrupts optimal functioning. Utilizing a performance goal (e.g., a personal goal of
shooting 35-34=69 today) means utilizing a self-referenced standard as
performance game plan for competition.
Finally, the selection of progress goals involves selection of
behaviors/cognitions on which the athlete will focus on during a
competition. For example, focusing (e.g., in a pre-putt routine) on an
individualized task-relevant cue (e.g., task focus), such as “put a
good roll on the ball,” can help the golfer/athlete cope with pressure
situations and contribute to the automatically of pre-putt behaviours on
golf or any other sport. Recent
research as demonstrated that adherence to such a progress-oriented
approach may contribute to reduction of the golfers’ susceptibility to
somatic anxiety in pressure situations, increased confidence and
improved concentration.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
STRATEGIES FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE
Psychological strategies consist of the application of several psychological skills within a specific mental preparation routine or game plan. Several psychological strategies have been identified by researchers that include the following: performance routines, automatically of performances, performance simulation , association/dissociation strategies, mental preparation routines, self-talk, injury coping, performance attributions, performance accomplishments, quality training/over training, motivational climate, social support, team building, etc. For example, a golfer may utilize several psychological skills (imagery, confidence and progress goals), combined within a particular psychological strategy (e.g., pre-shot routine) for optimal execution of a putt in golf. Recent research in sports psychology shows that athletes learn to develop consistent, highly systematic preparatory routines utilizing a preplanned sequence of psychological skills and strategies for peak performance in sports.
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