MindYourWicket

In this blogpost, I am going to be covering the 10 different areas of Sport Psychology. This post is basically a re-introduction to Sport Psychology for those who are curious about the subject and want to use this knowledge to improve their performance.

What are the 10 Areas of Sport Psychology?

The 10 different areas of Sport Psychology are:

1. Goal-setting
2. Visualization
3. Relaxation techniques
4. Self-regulation
5. Motivation
6. Anxiety and arousal
7. Self-confidence
8. Team-Building
9. Coping with pressure
10. Rehabilitation

Goal-setting

Goal-setting is perhaps the most important aspect of Sport Psychology and one of the most common areas covered in the subject. Goal-setting is a very important tool for athletes, and is in fact essential for improving performance on the field and off the field.

Visualization

Another common technique which is used in Sport Psychology is Visualization. Visualization can be used for a number of purposes, including improving attention and concentration levels, relaxation and even for practicing mentally before performance.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques are also taught by Sport Psychologists to athletes. There is a large variety of relaxation techniques present and the type of technique instructed to the athlete can depend on the needs of the client and also the background of the Sport Psychologist.

Self-regulation

Self-regulation is another skillset needed by all sports persons and Sport Psychologists cover this area widely in their sessions. Self-regulation is much need since this skillset can help the athlete gain better control over their mindset, regardless of the situation they are in.

Motivation

Motivation is yet another important area in Sport Psychology and is often one of the first topics covered in sessions. It is important for the athlete to understand where their motivation comes from, whether internally or externally.

Anxiety and arousal

Sport Psychologists also cover anxiety and arousal levels in their athletes. Anxiety in athletes mainly includes pre-performance anxiety, which is quite a major obstacle. Sport Psychologists help their athletes cope with this anxiety and perform without choking.

Self-confidence

Self-confidence and self-esteem are also quite important for athletes everywhere and Sport Psychologists help their clients in this area as well. Sport Psychologists help their clients understand where their self-confidence comes from and the factors which affect these.

Team-Building

Sport Psychologists not only work with individual sportspersons but also with teams. Group dynamics and team-building exercises and practices are also guided by Sport Psychologists, and are important for sports like football, cricket, volleyball, etc.

Coping with pressure

Athletes have to deal with a lot of pressure in their performances, their fitness levels and even in terms of injuries. Teaching athletes to cope with pressures and challenges to come out stronger in the end is one of the main roles of a Sport Psychologist.

Rehabilitation

Pain and injuries are commonalities in an athlete’s life, and Sport Psychologists help majorly in these. Sport Psychologists help their clients through their rehabilitation programs and help them get back to the field as soon as possible, with minimal hindrances.

If you like this blogpost, please leave your comments and questions in the space below.

Citations

https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/sports#

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_psychology

https://positivepsychology.com/sports-psychology/

https://believeperform.com/what-is-sport-psychology-different-approaches-to-working-the-insight-from-brendan-rodgers

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-sports-psychology

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/sport-psychology

https://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/about/resources/what-is

https://www.britannica.com/sports/sports/Psychology-of-sports

http://ipublisher.in/I/a/303598