To fully understand this question, you would need to dive deeper into what psychology affecting sports performances means. According to The American Psychological Association, sport psychology is a skill that uses psychological knowledge to reach optimal performance. In this essay I will be analysing why different psychological techniques are used, what different techniques are used and how they affect a sportsperson.
Firstly, why are different psychological techniques used? There are many different reasons why sportspeople use psychology before or during a sports performance. One of these being to remain focused. In sport, it is shown that when remaining focused things that are considered ‘beyond the limit of human performance’ (according to a recent report regarding Brad Stulberg) can be achieved. For example, in 2017 when Stulberg broke the 4-minute mile it was found that he had been undergoing mental strength training just as much as he had been physically training. He said “you cannot goal-set your way to a breakthrough”. Brad Stulberg has made many videos in support of psychological methods and how ‘being content in the striving’ is just as important as striving for success. In other words, you have to be happy striving for success rather than simply pushing oneself.
According to positivepsychology.com, the different types of psychological techniques used varies depending on the sport and person/people using it. The three main techniques are: reflection, meditation and pre-performance routines.
Taking each in turn.
- Reflection. Player Development Project says that reflection is a process that helps players evaluate their performances and become more aware of themselves. Reflection before a sports performance can be critical in improving as a sportsperson, one way to reflect is looking at past matches and analysing what went well throughout the game in order to improve.
- Meditation and pre – performance routines are two techniques which fall under the same category, namely relaxation techniques. Meditation and pre-performance routines are both ways of getting into the right headspace before participating in sports. Meditation is more calming and is usually done 1 or 2 hours before a match or event. Meditation can help with reducing stress, anxiety and tension. Pre-performance routines however can also be done during a match and, according to Sporting Bounce, are a way to help athlete focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
Finally how do different psychological techniques affect a sportspersons performance? Having a positive mind before participating in a sport can influence a sportspersons performance because they expect success and are therefore motivated to achieve their goals. Dr Patrick Kellan wrote an article which is entirely based on how to improve your performance in sports by changing you automatic thoughts. In it he states that ‘negative automatic thoughts lead to performing below your abilities’. Another article written by Pativey talks about the power of positivity in sports. In it Pativey says that ‘athletes who think positively are more likely to display optimal performance levels because they expect success and are therefore more motivated to achieve their goals.’
In conclusion, having a negative psychology/mindset will have a detrimental effect on sports performance but there are many ways of avoiding this by turning a negative mindset into a positive one. The importance of a positive mindset cannot be underestimated and is a powerful tool in the success of any athlete. Some might say just as important as the physical capabilities of an athlete.
by Genevieve Grannum