Sport Psychology for Athletes from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand how to increase motivation, improve focus and build confidence
Use mental imagery
Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk

Practice mindfulness
Achieve your sporting goals
Have more fun

Understand how to increase motivation, improve focus and build confidence
Use mental imagery
Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk
Practice mindfulness
Achieve your sporting goals
Have more fun

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome

How to get help

Meet your instructor

I want to...

Increase motivation

Improve focus

Build confidence

Master new skills

Reduce anxiety

Understanding Motivation

Most of us want more motivation but what exactly is it? In this lesson, we will explore the difference and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Motivation is a matter of degree. It is not the case that we either have it or we don't, but rather to what level are we motivated.

There are seven common reasons why we lose motivation:

Lack of progression
Conflict with other activities
Lack of fun
Boredom
Lack of playing time
Excessive pressure from others
Increased time commitment

Avoiding boredom

What do we do if we lose motivation? Using the structured interview presented in this lesson, you can explore your initial motivation and use it to build additional motivation resources in the present.

Rediscovering motivation workbook

While motivation is usually good, being too focused on a goal can lead to burn-out. What is burn-out and what do we do about it?

Training schedules

Training schedule template

Summary

Test your knowledge

Understanding Focus

What is focus?

Automation of skills

Principles of effective concentration

Why external focus is useful

Practical concentration techniques

Practical concentration suggestions

Simulation training

Understanding Confidence

What is confidence?

Sources of confidence

Bandura's model of confidence

Adversity training

Adversity training example

Adversity training workbook

Hero days

Understanding Stress & Anxiety

What is stress and anxiety?

Causes of anxiety

Test your personality

You can measure your level of perfectionism using the Short Revised Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS). This will ask you eight questions which you rate from extremely disagree to extremely agree.

You can try the questionnaire on the PsyToolkit website here.

Possible scores range from 4 to 28. Typically, athletes will score highly on this scale. So, if you score around 24, it indicates you have high levels of perfectionism, but don't worry too much because you are not alone.

Levels above this suggest excessive perfectionism.

Self-awareness

Example journal

How to reduce anxiety

Coping effectiveness training

Choking prevention training

Cognitive reappraisal

Understanding Expertise

What is expertise?

Deliberate practice

Deliberate practice example

Skill acquisition

Skill acquisition example

Technique: Goal Setting

Why set goals?

Regulating behaviour

What makes a good goal?

Goal setting example

Goal durations

Goal-setting principles

Goal setting workbook

Technique: Mental Imagery

What is imagery?

How to use imagery

The PETTLEP model

When to use imagery

Example script

Imagery workbook

Technique: Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

PMR practice exercise

PMR audio download

Technique: Self-talk

What is self-talk?

Challenging negative self-talk

Challenging negative self-talk workbook

Trigger words

Trigger words example

Technique: Mindfulness

What is mindfulness?

How to practice mindfulness

Breath meditation

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes improving various aspects of sport psychology for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts

Provides a practical approach to applying sport psychology techniques in real-life situations

Designed to cater to learners of various levels of sport participation, from beginners to experienced athletes

Includes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to enhance learning

Covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for sport psychology, such as motivation, focus, and mindfulness

Taught by experienced instructor Chris Worfolk, who specializes in sport psychology

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 Sport Psychology for Athletes with these activities:

Review confidence building techniques

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Confidence is critical for success in sports. Review and reinforce the necessary techniques

Browse courses on Confidence

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Identify what confidence means to you
Identify what helps you feel confident
Develop a plan for building confidence
Practice confidence-building techniques
Reflect on your progress

Review focus techniques

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Focus on practicing and reflecting on focus techniques

Browse courses on Focus

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Identify distractions
Use visual aids
Set realistic goals
Practice with a buddy
Set aside specific time for focus drills

Improve motivation

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Increased motivation will help you stay consistent and achieve your goals faster

Browse courses on Motivation

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Reflect on what motivates you and what does not
Set some realistic short term performance-related goals for yourself
Break down your goals into smaller manageable steps
Take a moment to review your vision and the reason behind why you started your fitness journey
Join a group of like minded people (forum, social media group etc.)

Six other activities

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Team up for goal setting

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Working with peers on goal setting aids in reflection, feedback, and better accountability

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Share with each other your sporting goals
Discuss the reasons behind them
Define the specifics individually
Set a timeline
Plan your next steps

Practice replacing negative self-talk

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Consciously replacing negative self-talk with positive self-talk can significantly improve performance and confidence

Browse courses on Self-Talk

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Identify the negative self-talk
Challenge the negative self-talk
Replace the negative self-talk with positive self-talk
Practice positive self-talk

Attend a workshop on mental toughness

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Mental toughness is a key ingredient for success in any sport

Browse courses on Motivation

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Find a workshop on mental toughness
Sign up for the workshop
Attend the workshop
Take notes and participate in the activities
Practice what you learn

Create a tool kit

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Useful to aid performance using mental practices taught during the course

Browse courses on Mental Imagery

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List down all the mental practices you have learnt so far in the course
Categorize them based on their type
Provide practical examples of how each of them can be used for performing better in sports
Add to it as you learn more practices

Explore breathing meditation

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Helps in increasing focus and reducing anxiety in a high pressure scenario like competitive sport

Browse courses on Relaxation

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Find a quiet place
Sit in a comfortable position
Close your eyes
Take a few deep breaths
Observe your breath

Volunteer at a sports event

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Volunteering can help you connect what you are learning to a practical application in real time

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Identify a sports event that you are interested in volunteering at
Sign up to volunteer
Show up on time and be prepared to work hard
Follow instructions and take initiative
Be a positive and enthusiastic role model

Career center

Learners who complete Sport Psychology for Athletes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Psychologist

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can be immensely valuable to those interested in a career as a Sports Psychologist. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological aspects of sports, covering topics such as motivation, focus, confidence, stress and anxiety management, and mental imagery. Understanding these concepts is crucial for Sports Psychologists, as they help athletes optimize their performance, enhance their mental toughness, and overcome psychological barriers. By gaining a solid foundation in sport psychology, individuals can effectively support athletes in reaching their full potential and achieving success both on and off the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Psychologist

Coach

For those aspiring to become a Coach, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can provide essential knowledge and skills. This course explores the psychological aspects of sports, equipping individuals with techniques to enhance athlete motivation, improve focus, build confidence, and manage stress and anxiety. By understanding the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, Coaches can effectively guide and support athletes, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

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Athletic Director

Individuals interested in pursuing a role as an Athletic Director may find a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes beneficial. This course delves into the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, providing valuable insights into the mindset and well-being of athletes. Understanding motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies can empower Athletic Directors to create a positive and supportive environment for athletes, fostering their growth and success both individually and as a team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Director

Physical Therapist

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can be beneficial for Physical Therapists working with athletes. This course offers valuable insights into the psychological factors that impact athletic performance and recovery. By understanding motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies, Physical Therapists can better support athletes in overcoming psychological barriers and optimizing their rehabilitation journey. Additionally, the course's emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation techniques can enhance Physical Therapists' ability to promote overall well-being and resilience in athletes.

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Sports Agent

For individuals pursuing a career as a Sports Agent, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can provide valuable knowledge and skills. This course explores the psychological aspects of sports, offering insights into athlete motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies. Understanding these factors can empower Sports Agents to effectively manage and support their clients, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of the sports industry.

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Sports Broadcaster

For those aspiring to become a Sports Broadcaster, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can provide valuable insights. This course explores the psychological aspects of sports, offering an understanding of athlete motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies. By comprehending these factors, Sports Broadcasters can effectively convey the emotional and mental challenges faced by athletes, enhancing the audience's engagement and appreciation for the sport.

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Sports Journalist

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes may be useful for individuals pursuing a career as a Sports Journalist. This course provides insights into the psychological factors that influence athletic performance and recovery. By understanding motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies, Sports Journalists can more accurately and effectively report on the psychological challenges and triumphs of athletes, offering a deeper and more nuanced perspective to their audience.

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Sports Marketing Manager

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes may be useful for those interested in a career as a Sports Marketing Manager. This course provides an understanding of the psychological factors that influence consumer behavior, which can be valuable in developing and implementing effective marketing campaigns for sports products and services. Additionally, the course's focus on motivation and persuasion techniques can enhance the ability of Sports Marketing Managers to engage with and influence target audiences.

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Teacher

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes may be useful for Teachers, particularly those working with students involved in sports. This course provides an understanding of the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, such as motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies. By comprehending these factors, Teachers can more effectively support and guide students in their athletic endeavors, fostering their growth and resilience both on and off the field.

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School Counselor

For individuals interested in becoming a School Counselor, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can provide valuable knowledge and skills. This course explores the psychological aspects of sports, offering insights into athlete motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies. By understanding these factors, School Counselors can better support student-athletes in navigating the challenges and opportunities of competitive sports, helping them achieve academic and personal success.

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Nutritionist

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes may be useful for Nutritionists working with athletes or individuals engaged in physical activity. This course provides insights into the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, including motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies. By understanding these factors, Nutritionists can better support their clients in developing healthy eating habits, maintaining a balanced diet, and optimizing their nutritional choices to enhance performance and recovery.

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Personal Trainer

For individuals pursuing a career as a Personal Trainer, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can offer valuable insights into the psychological factors that influence athletic performance and recovery. This course explores motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies, which can empower Personal Trainers to effectively support and motivate their clients. By understanding the psychological aspects of training, Personal Trainers can help clients overcome mental barriers, enhance their resilience, and achieve their fitness goals.

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Yoga Instructor

For individuals pursuing a career as a Yoga Instructor, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can provide valuable insights into the psychological aspects of physical activity and well-being. This course explores motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies, which can empower Yoga Instructors to effectively guide and support their students. By understanding the psychological factors that influence yoga practice, Yoga Instructors can help students enhance their mindfulness, improve their flexibility, and cultivate a positive body image.

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Fitness Instructor

For individuals pursuing a career as a Fitness Instructor, a course on Sport Psychology for Athletes can offer valuable insights into the psychological factors that influence physical activity and exercise adherence. This course explores motivation, focus, and confidence-building strategies, which can empower Fitness Instructors to effectively motivate and support their clients. By understanding the psychological aspects of fitness, Fitness Instructors can help clients overcome mental barriers, cultivate a positive body image, and achieve their health and fitness goals.

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Massage Therapist

A course on Sport Psychology for Athletes may be useful for Massage Therapists working with athletes or individuals engaged in physical activity. This course provides insights into the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, including stress and anxiety management techniques. By understanding these factors, Massage Therapists can better support their clients in reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being, which can contribute to improved athletic performance and recovery.

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