Introduction to

Psychological Skills Training

Introduction to

PsychologicalSkills Training

PST Myths

Session Outline

What Is Psychological Skills Training (PST) and Why Is It Important?Why Are Psychological Skills Neglected?

PST Effectiveness

PST Knowledge Base

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Designing a PST Program

Session Outline

Three Phases of PST

Who Should Implement PST Programs, When, and for How Long?

Common Problems in Implementing PST

What Is Psychological

Skills Training (PST)?

Psychological skills training refers to the systematic and consistent practice

of mental or psychological skills.

PST ComponentsArousal regulationImageryGoal setting & self-monitoringSelf-talk & confidence

buildingConcentration & focusTime management*Environmental structuring*Help seeking*

Importance of Training in Psychological Skills

During the season, how long do you spend physically training for competition?___ Average time spent per day

During your season how long do you spend practicing psychological skills for competition?___ Average time spent per day

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Importance of Psychological Skills…

How important do you think psychological or mental skills are to your performance and success?(1 = Not important; 10 = Essential)

Why Are Psychological Skills Neglected?

Lack of info (coaches & players)

Misunderstandings about psychological skills (e.g., they can’t be learned)

Lack of time

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1010

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PST Myths

PST is for “problem” athletes only.1.

PST is for “elite” athletes only.2.

PST provides “quick fix” solutions.3.

PST is not useful.4.

PST Knowledge Base

Research on elite athletes shows that most successful athletes differ from less successful ones because they have

better concentration,

higher confidence,

more task-oriented thoughts,lower anxiety, more positive thoughts and images,and more determination or commitment.

PST Effectiveness

MP + PP = BP

Intervention must be individualized, employed systematically over time, and multimodal (combining different psychological skills such as imagery, self-talk, and goal setting).

Implementing PST Programs

Sport psychologist or coachWho should conduct PST?

In the off-season ideallyWhen should you implement PST?

10 to 15 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days per week; ideally everyday

How long should training last?

Mental training should continue throughout an athlete’s sport participation.

Phases of PST

Assessment PhaseEducation PhaseAcquisition PhasePractice Phase

* Evaluation/feedback

Performance Profile

Designing a PST Program

Discuss your approach.

Assess the athlete’s mental skills.Determine which psychological skills to include.

Design a PST schedule.

Evaluate the program.

Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Sport Psychology Consultants

were accessible and could establish rapport with athletes,

were flexible and knowledgeable enough to meet the needs of individual athletes,

conducted several follow-up sessions with athletes throughout the season, and

Effective Consultants

were trustworthy and fit in with the team.

were likeable and had something very concrete or practical to offer,

Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Sport Psychology Consultants

had poor interpersonal skills,

lacked sensitivity to the needs of individual athletes,

lacked specific psychology knowledge to apply to the sport setting,

Ineffective Consultants

demonstrated inappropriate application of consulting skills at competitions, and

relied on a “canned” approach when implementing psychological skills.

Striving for Excellence & Beyond

- Making striving explicit in most cognitive and behavioral activities

- APA ethics / mission of psychologists