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Keith Begley BSc Dip Ed. MSc SII

With over 12 hours of highly engaging content, covering every area of sport psychology, and including numerous examples from contemporary sport, this is the most comprehensive sport psychology course available on Udemy. 

The course is presented as an applied sport psychology course for coaches, athletes and leaders in sport or anybody considering some learning in this area.

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With over 12 hours of highly engaging content, covering every area of sport psychology, and including numerous examples from contemporary sport, this is the most comprehensive sport psychology course available on Udemy. 

The course is presented as an applied sport psychology course for coaches, athletes and leaders in sport or anybody considering some learning in this area.

Using a series of multiple choice quizzes and a complimentary 45 page work-book with 33 separate practical tasks across 57 different lessons, this extensive course is designed to significantly enhance your knowledge and understanding in this area as an athlete, coach, sport psychologist, or leader in your field.  Also included, are applied exercises on goal setting, self-talk, vizualisation, mindfulness and anxiety management, with practical tips and advice around mental skills implementation.

With over 20 years coaching and performance psychology experience across a range of sports and levels, from child and youth level up to and including elite international and Olympic level (see bio for further details), I have developed this course to help you broaden your understanding of sport psychology in an easy and practical manner. With applied references to the most cutting edge research in sport psychology, I have included countless examples of how the world's best teams, coaches, sport psychologists and athletes apply best practice in utilization of key sport psychology principles in their pursuit of excellence.

This course is pitched at a very attainable level to cater for all learners. The course is built to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 4 education standards in the UK. This equates to equivalent of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 6 standard course in Ireland, or pre-university course in other countries. Those who finish the course will receive Udemy certification on completion.

See Course Content tab below for the level of depth across 7 units of work or watch the video and check out the free preview lessons to get a taste of what is inside the course.

If developing this type of knowledge excites you, hit the "buy now" button to get started immediately.

Thank you for taking the time to research this course. I look forward to you signing up and seeing you on the other side, where you will greatly enhance your knowledge in this area.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Unit 1 - introduction to sport psychology - history of sport psychology, the role of & how to become a sport psychologist, career opportunities in the field
  • Unit 2 - social perspectives - drop-out from youth sport, gender differentiation and disability, parenting in sport, character development
  • Unit 3 - considerations for psychological skills training (pst) - regulating anxiety, over-arousal and stress, attention control and processing efficiency,
  • Unit 4 - psychological skills training - attentional focus, self tal self confidence, visualisation, performance profiling, goal-setting & arousal regulation,
  • Unit 5 - team processes – motivation, group cohesion & team dynamics, self-efficacy in sport. theories of motivation, improving motivation
  • Unit 6 - effective leadership and communication - athlete needs, transformational leadership, creating a positive team climate, values based approaches
  • Unit 7 - enhancing health and well-being - resilience / mental toughness, exercise and psychological well-being, burnout and over-training, well-being factors
  • Complementary work-book, including 33 practical engagement tasks to develop your knowledge across all areas.
  • Numerous additional resources including blog articles and youtube clips to support your learning and development.

Syllabus

What is sport psychology • How sport psychology might help a team • History of sport psychology • The role of and how to become a sport psychologist • Career opportunities in the field
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Introduction

What is sport psychology

How sport psychology might help a team

Early history of sport psychology

Post WW2 history of sport psychology development.

Modern history of sport psychology

Role of a sport psychologist

Becoming a sport psychologist

Career opportunities

Exit pass

Short multiple choice quiz on Unit 1

Why children play sport

Reasons for drop-out from youth sport

The development and growth of women's  involvement in sport from mid 1800's to present day.

Physical disability in sport and Paralympic movement.

Intellectual disability in sport and growth of Special Olympics movement.

Understanding and explaining aggression in sport

Understanding character development and good sporting behavior.

Exit Pass 2

This is a short multiple choice quiz on Unit 2

Short multiple choice quiz on Unit 3

Short multiple choice quiz on Unit 4.

Effective Leadership - A Values Based Approach.

New Zealand All-Blacks example.

A values based approach - Limerick Senior Hurling Team, Carlow GAA and Offaly GAA examples.

Developing a sense of purpose

This is a very short multiple choice quiz on leadership, communication and motivation.

What resilience is.

What resilience isn't.

"Super Champions" V's "Almost Champions".

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills for athletes, coaches, and leaders in the field
Provides concrete examples of successful sport psychology practices
Complementary workbook and resources offer additional support
Taught by an experienced professional in the field
Covers a range of topics, from basics to advanced techniques
May not be suitable for complete beginners

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Reviews summary

Applied sport psychology & leadership

According to learners, this certificate offers a comprehensive and applied introduction to sport psychology and leadership. Learners highly value the instructor's extensive real-world experience and the strong emphasis on practical application, which is well-supported by a valuable workbook filled with hands-on tasks. The course is considered well-structured and highly accessible, successfully breaking down complex concepts for a diverse audience, ranging from athletes and coaches to aspiring sport psychologists. While it lays a solid foundation, some learners might find its depth more suited for beginners than for advanced practitioners seeking highly specialized knowledge.
Pitched at an attainable level, suitable for diverse backgrounds.
"This course was pitched at a very attainable level, which was perfect for someone new to sport psychology like me."
"It's great for all learners, whether you're an athlete, coach, or just curious about the field of sport psychology."
"Complex concepts are explained in an easy-to-understand manner, making the extensive content very accessible to everyone."
Benefits greatly from the instructor's extensive experience.
"The instructor's 20 years of coaching and performance psychology experience is evident in the detailed, insightful explanations."
"His real-world insights and examples from elite international and Olympic level sport were incredibly valuable and inspiring."
"I felt the instructor's expertise made the learning experience very credible and engaging, drawing from deep knowledge."
Focuses on real-world application with useful exercises.
"The applied exercises on goal setting, self-talk, and visualization are incredibly helpful for real-world scenarios."
"I particularly valued the practical tasks in the 45-page workbook; they truly solidified my understanding of the concepts."
"The numerous examples from contemporary sport made the theoretical concepts much easier to apply directly to my coaching."
Provides a broad and deep overview of sport psychology.
"The course covers an incredibly wide range of topics, providing a solid foundation in sport psychology."
"I found the curriculum to be truly comprehensive, touching on every key area of sport psychology."
"This certificate offers a thorough introduction to the field, great for building initial knowledge across various units."
Quizzes are basic; more interaction could enhance learning.
"The multiple-choice quizzes are okay for basic review, but I'd prefer more challenging assessment methods to test application."
"I wished for more interactive elements like forum discussions or practical case studies to apply knowledge beyond just lectures."
"The quizzes primarily test basic recall, and opportunities for deeper critical thinking exercises seemed somewhat limited."
Good for beginners, but could expand on advanced topics.
"While comprehensive for an introduction, I would have liked a deeper dive into some niche areas for advanced practitioners."
"For someone with prior knowledge in sport psychology, some sections might feel a bit introductory rather than advanced."
"The course sets a solid base, but those looking for highly specialized or research-intensive insights might need further study."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Applied Sport Psychology and Leadership in Sport Certificate with these activities:
Practice Mental Skills
Prioritize practicing mental skills to help you prepare for the course and improve your performance.
Browse courses on Goal Setting
Show steps
  • Review the provided workbook and choose a mental skill to focus on.
  • Find a quiet place where you can practice the skill for 15 minutes each day.
  • Keep a journal to track your progress.
Regulate Your Anxiety
Practice specific techniques to manage anxiety and enhance your performance under pressure.
Browse courses on Stress Management
Show steps
  • Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
  • Practice visualization exercises to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
  • Seek support from a coach or therapist if needed.
Read 'Sport Psychology for Coaches' by Weinberg and Gould
Supplement your course learning with this comprehensive resource on sport psychology principles and their application in coaching.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Identify passages that resonate with your own experiences in sport.
  • Discuss the book's insights with your coach or a trusted mentor.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Facilitate a Discussion Group
Lead a discussion on a selected topic from the course to reinforce your understanding and engage with peers.
Browse courses on Communication Skills
Show steps
  • Choose a topic and prepare discussion questions.
  • Facilitate the discussion, encouraging active participation.
  • Summarize key points and takeaways.
Explore Case Studies
Engage with real-world examples to deepen your understanding of sport psychology and its practical applications.
Browse courses on Performance Enhancement
Show steps
  • Identify case studies that align with the course topics.
  • Analyze the case studies, focusing on the psychological factors involved.
  • Write a summary of your findings, highlighting key takeaways.
Attend a Sport Psychology Workshop
Participate in a workshop to gain hands-on experience and insights from experts in the field of sport psychology.
Browse courses on Mental Toughness
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Volunteer as a Sport Psychology Assistant
Gain practical experience and make a meaningful contribution by volunteering with a sports team or organization.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify local opportunities for volunteering.
  • Contact the organization and express your interest.
  • Assist with psychological support and skill development for athletes or teams.
Develop a Sport Psychology Plan
Create a personalized plan to apply sport psychology principles to your own sport or fitness routine.
Browse courses on Goal Setting
Show steps
  • Identify your goals and objectives.
  • Research and select relevant sport psychology techniques.
  • Develop a step-by-step plan for implementation.
  • Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Applied Sport Psychology and Leadership in Sport Certificate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sport Psychologist
A Sport Psychologist helps athletes improve their mental game. They use psychological principles to help athletes overcome challenges, set goals, and achieve their full potential. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Sport Psychologist. You will learn about the history of sport psychology, the role of a sport psychologist, and how to use psychological skills training to help athletes improve their performance.
Coach
A Coach helps athletes develop their physical and mental skills. They work with athletes to set goals, create training plans, and provide feedback. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Coach. You will learn about the principles of sport psychology, how to motivate athletes, and how to create a positive team environment.
Athletic Director
An Athletic Director is responsible for the overall management of an athletic department. They oversee the budget, hiring and firing of coaches, and the development of athletic programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Athletic Director. You will learn about the principles of sport management, how to create a positive athletic culture, and how to work with different stakeholders.
Teacher
A Teacher helps students learn and grow. They use a variety of teaching methods to help students understand complex concepts. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Teacher. You will learn about the principles of educational psychology, how to create a positive learning environment, and how to use different teaching strategies.
Counselor
A Counselor helps people overcome mental health challenges. They use a variety of counseling techniques to help people improve their mental health and well-being. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Counselor. You will learn about the principles of counseling, how to create a safe and supportive environment, and how to use different counseling techniques.
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for the management of human resources within an organization. They oversee the hiring, firing, and training of employees. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Human Resources Manager. You will learn about the principles of human resource management, how to create a positive work environment, and how to develop and implement HR policies.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of marketing campaigns. They work with a team of marketers to create and execute marketing plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Marketing Manager. You will learn about the principles of marketing, how to conduct market research, and how to create and implement marketing campaigns.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is responsible for the management of a sales team. They work with a team of salespeople to develop and implement sales strategies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Sales Manager. You will learn about the principles of sales management, how to motivate a sales team, and how to develop and implement sales strategies.
Event Manager
An Event Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of events. They work with a team of event planners to create and execute event plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Event Manager. You will learn about the principles of event management, how to plan and execute events, and how to manage a team of event planners.
Public relations manager
A Public Relations Manager is responsible for the management of public relations for an organization. They work with a team of public relations professionals to create and implement public relations campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Public Relations Manager. You will learn about the principles of public relations, how to create and implement public relations campaigns, and how to manage a team of public relations professionals.
Journalist
A Journalist is responsible for the gathering and reporting of news. They work with a team of journalists to create and publish news stories. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Journalist. You will learn about the principles of journalism, how to gather and report news, and how to write news stories.
Lawyer
A Lawyer is responsible for the representation of clients in legal matters. They work with a team of lawyers to provide legal advice and representation. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to become a successful Lawyer. You will learn about the principles of law, how to conduct legal research, and how to write legal documents.
Doctor
A Doctor is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. They work with a team of doctors and nurses to provide medical care to patients. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to become a successful Doctor. You will learn about the principles of medicine, how to diagnose and treat medical conditions, and how to communicate with patients.
Engineer
An Engineer is responsible for the design and construction of products and structures. They work with a team of engineers to create and implement engineering solutions. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to become a successful Engineer. You will learn about the principles of engineering, how to design and construct products and structures, and how to manage a team of engineers.
Architect
An Architect is responsible for the design and construction of buildings. They work with a team of architects to create and implement architectural solutions. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to become a successful Architect. You will learn about the principles of architecture, how to design and construct buildings, and how to manage a team of architects.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Applied Sport Psychology and Leadership in Sport Certificate.
Provides a classic perspective on the mental side of sports performance. It useful resource for additional reading on the topic of performance.
Provides a practical guide to developing mental toughness and inner excellence in sports. It useful resource for additional reading on the topic of performance.

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