BlazeSports Institute for Applied Science

CDSS Level II Curriculum

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Headstrong: Sport Psychology and Mental Skills Training

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Objectives• Review the origins and development of sport

psychology and mental skills training from inception to present.

• Dispel myths associated with sport psychology and mental skills training.

• Define sport psychology, mental skills training and clinical versus educational sport psychologist.

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Objectives• Understand the objectives of sport psychology

and mental skills training.

• Define various methods and skill within sport psychology and mental skills training.

• Understand the role of sport psychology and mental skills training within a holistic training program.

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 1 – The Early Years

• 1895 – 1920• Norman Triplett

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 2 – The Griffith Era

• 1921 – 1938• First Academic Sports Psychology

Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Psychology of Coaching

• Psychology of Athletics

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 3 – Preparation for the Future

• 1939 – 1969• Franklin Henry

• 1938: Establishes graduate program inPsychology of Physical

Activity

• 1965: First World Congress of Sport Psychology

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 4 – Establishment of Academic Sport Psychology

• 1966 – 1977• Bruce Ogilvie

• Applied Sport Psychology Consultants

• First Annual NASPSPA Conference

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 5 – Multidisciplinary Science and Practice in Sport and Exercise Psychology

• 1978 – 2000• Global Growth

• Applied Issues

• Qualitative Studies

• Exercise Psychology

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 5 – Multidisciplinary Science and Practice in Sport and Exercise Psychology

• 1978 – 2000• 1979: Journal of Sport Psychology Established

• 1985: USOC hires first full-time sports psychologist

• 1986: American Association of Applied SportPsychologists (AAASP)

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 5 – Multidisciplinary Science and Practice in Sport and Exercise Psychology

• 1978 – 2000• 1987: APA Division 47 Developed

• 1989: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology

• 1991: AAASP establishes “certified consultant”designation

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History• Periods of Development

• Period 6 – Contemporary Sport and Exercise Psychology

• 2001 – Present• Training and Educating Students

• Exercise Psychology Flourishes

• APA Div. 47 – Sport Psychology as a Specialized Competency Area

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PST Vs MST

• Psychological (PST) Vs. Mental Skills Training (MST)

• Used interchangeably

• Possible negative connotation with PST

• Use of term Mental Skills Training can eliminate negative perceptions

• Opens door to larger client pool

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Myths

• Psychological Skills Training (PST) is for “problem” athletes only.

• PST is for elite training only.• PST provides “quick fix” solutions.• PST is not useful.

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What is Sport Psychology?

• The scientific study of people and their behaviors in sport and the practical application of that knowledge.

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What is the objective of Sport Psychologists?

• Two Objectives• Understand the effects of psychological

factors on physical or motor performance.• How does anxiety affect free throw shooting?

• Understand the effects of physical activity participation on psychological development, health and well being.• Does running reduce anxiety and depression?

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What is the objective of Sport Psychologists?

• Why?• To understand and help

• Who?• Elite athletes, children, persons who are

physically or mentally disabled, seniors and average participants

• What?• Achieve maximum participation, peak

performance, personal satisfaction, and development through participation.

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What is the objective of Sport Psychologists?

• How?• Three Roles

• Teaching• Consulting• Research

• Two Specialties• Clinical Sport Psychologist

• Treat clients with emotional disorders• Educational Sport Psychologist

• Mental Coaches

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What is Mental Skills Training?

• Systematic and consistent practice of mental skills for the purpose of enhancing performance, increasing enjoyment, or achieving greater sport and physical activity self-satisfaction.

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What is the Objective of Mental Skills Training?

• To assist sport participants in the development of mental skills to achieve performance success and personal well-being.

• To have athletes effectively function on their own without needing constant direction from a coach or sport psychologist.

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Why is MST Important?

“Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.”

-Yogi Berra, Hall of Fame Catcher

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Why is MST Important?• Mental Toughness

• Focus• Rebound from failure• Cope with pressure• Persist• Realize internal locus of control

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Why is MST Neglected?• Three Basic Reasons

• Lack of Knowledge

• Misunderstanding About Mental Skills

• Lack of Time

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Skills Vs. Methods• Skills

• Qualities to be obtained

• Methods• Procedures or techniques used to

develop skills

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MST Methods• Arousal Regulation

• Imagery

• Goal Setting

• Attention/Concentration

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Skill Categories• Foundation

• Achievement Drive• Self-Awareness• Productive Thinking• Self-Confidence

• Performance• Perceptual-Cognitive Skill• Attentional Focus• Energy Management

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Skill Categories• Personal Development

• Identity Achievement• Interpersonal Competence

• Team• Leadership• Communication• Cohesion• Team Confidence

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Summary

• Sport Psychology since 1895

• Myths

• Clinical Vs. Educational Sport Psychologist

• Definitions & Objectives

• Methods and Skills

• Holistic Training Program

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Resources

Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2007). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (4th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Williams, J. M. (Ed.). (2006). Applied Sport Psychology: Personal Growth to Peak Performance (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 

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Questions??

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