Sports Psychology

Simply stated, sport and exercise psychology is the scientific study of people and their behaviours in sport and exercise contexts and the practical applications of that knowledge (Gill & Martens, 1977). Sport and exercise psychologists identify principles and guidelines that professionals can use to help adults and children participate in and benefit from sport and exercise activities (Weinberg & Gould, 2015).

This article has been developed to provide information and resources, which could be used to maximise the performance of an athlete or team through psychological skills and support. The imperative experience, knowledge and skills gained, will help understanding in the world of sports psychology, while providing the underpinning academic research.

Mental toughness can be defined as “a collection of experientially developed and
inherent sport-specific and sport-general values, attitudes, emotions, and cognitions
that influence the way in which an individual approaches, responds to, and appraises both negatively and positively construed pressure, and adversities to
consistently achieve his or her goals” (Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock, 2009)

Concentration, confidence, control and commitment are the 4Cs of sport psychology. They are generally considered to be essential mental qualities important for successful performance in sports.

• Commitment - The ability to continue working toward one’s goals.
• Confidence - The general term for a belief in one's capabilities.
• Concentration - The ability to maintain focus on relevant stimuli (e.g. cues) for a period of time.
• Control - Control is the ability to maintain emotional composure regardless of distractions.