University of Georgia Athletics
Sport Psychology
June 21, 2007 | General
Sport psychology is a form of mental training often used to enhance a student-athlete’s athletic experience. In the most basic sense, it is the task of applying psychological principles in order to optimize sport performance. Student-athletes are taught mental skills to utilize in improving performance outcomes. Sport psychology can also be helpful in determining possible factors that are preventing a student-athlete from performing at his/her desired level. These services can occur with individuals, small groups, or entire teams.
Traditionally, most sports have embraced a physical emphasis on preparation. Although physical training is certainly required to achieve athletic success, mental preparation/consideration can also be a vital component of athletes/teams fulfilling their goals. Sport psychology services can take on many different forms: individual sessions in an office, short conversation at practice, practice/competition observation, meeting with entire team, etc. These services are usually more instructional and task-oriented in nature, but can vary based upon the individual.
Sport psychology services can include the following areas:
Burnout
Communication problems (e.g. coach, teammate, etc.)
Competition anxiety
Composure
Confidence issues
Eating behaviors
Focus
Goal setting
Injury (e.g. coping, pre-mature end of career)
Leadership
Mental Toughness
Motivation toward sport
Parental pressures
Performance slumps
Performing under pressure
Role acceptance/changes
Teambuilding (see below)
Team presentations (see below)
Teambuilding Programs
Pre-season or season-long teambuilding programs are developed to best meet the needs of specific teams. These programs can enhance team cohesion by improving communication, increasing team unity, clarifying team goals and roles, furthering knowledge about teammates, and improving leadership skills. An initial consultation with the coaching staff aids in ensuring that the program properly fits and addresses each team’s specific vision and goals.
Team Presentations
Team presentations are given on various topics to provide an overview/introduction of basic sport psychology concepts/principles. The content of these presentations is adapted to meet the needs of specific teams. Consultation with the coaching staff is encouraged in order to determine desired material. Possible presentation topics include many of the areas listed above (e.g. confidence, composure, mental toughness, motivation, etc.).
