BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

SPORT ACEDEMY,
UNDERGRAGUATE PROGRAM
Cource title : Sport psycology SpSc-2223
Credit hour: 3
periods : Friday 3ed and 4th 3 , class= SAR207
Instructor: Demissie G. (PhD) , E- mail: [email protected]
Objective: after the end of this course, the student should be able to:
 Describe the term “sport psychology”
 Explain the Psychological preparation process and their effect on sports performance
 Appreciate the relationship between personality of a sportsmen/women and sports
performance
 Describe the relationship among psychological variables and their impact on health and
performance
 Enjoy with psychological skills and their applications.

Course description

The course applied sport psycology focused on basic aspects of sport psychology This includes
psychological preparation processes, the tool used to measure various psychological variables,
relationship among various psychological elements and sports performance , application of psychological
skills, like self-talk, imagery, goal setting and their impact on enjoyments, performance and health .

Course contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to applied sport psychology
1.1 What is Sport psychology?
1.2 Who is Sports psychologists?
1.3. Classification of sports psychology?
1.4. Psychological preparation Processes
Chapter two: personality

2.1. Defining personality,

2.2. What are the tools to measure personality?
2.3. What is the relationship between personality variables and performance?

Chapter three: Arousal in football

3.1. What is arousal in football sports?

1
3.2. What is the importance of arousal in football sport?
3.3. What is the tool used to measure arousal level?
3.4. How does arousal level of players affect sports performance?

Chapter four: Stress and performance in football

4.1. What is the definition of stress in football sport?

4.2. What causes stress in sport?
4.3. What is the tool used to measure self-confidence?
4.4. How does stress affect sports performance?
4.5. How do emotions affect sports performance?

Chapter five: Self confidence in football sport

5.1. What is confidence football psychology?

5.2. What are the types of confidence in the football confidence Model?
5.3. Why is confidence important in football sport?
5.4. How does sport psychology build confidence?
5.5. What is the tool used to measure self-confidence?

Chapter six: Motivation in football

6.1. What is motivation in football sports?

6.2. What are the theories of motivation in sport?
6.3. What is the role of motivation in football psychology?
6.4. What are the two types of motivation in sport? And which one is preferable and
why?
6.5. What is the tool used to measure motivation?

Chapter seven: Aggression in football

7.1. What is aggression in football sport ?

7.2. What are the theories of aggression in sport?
7.3. Why is aggression important in sport?
7.4. What are the factors which affects aggression in sports?
7.5. What are the tools used to measure aggression?

Chapter Eight: Psychological skills

8.1. Self –talk,
8.2. Goal setting
8.3. Imagery and
8.4. Relaxation
Chapter Nine: Team Cohesion

8.1. What is cohesion in a team?

8.2. What are the types of cohesion in sport?

2
8.3. What affects team cohesion sport?
8.4. How do you create team cohesion in sport?
8.5. What are the tools used to measure team cohesion?

Mode of asessement
 Class particiption : 10 %
 Assignment: 15 %
 mid exam : 25 %
 Final examination: 50 %

Text book and Refference :

1. Richard H. Cox (2011). Sport Psychology Concepts and Applications Seventh Edition Richard
H. Cox University of Missouri–Columbia
2. Williams, J. M. G. (2010). Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (6th
ed.). McGraw-Hill.
3. Tennenbaum, G., & Eklund, R. C. (Eds.). (2007). Handbook of sport psychology (3rd ed.). John
Wiley & Sons.
4. Vealey, R. S. (2007). Sport psychology: Principles and applications (4th ed.). Human Kinetics.

3
1. Sport psychology is the study of how psychological factors affect athletic performance,
exercise, and physical activity. It explores the mental aspects that influence an athlete's
behavior and how these factors can be harnessed to improve performance.

Key areas of focus in sport psychology include:

 Mental Skills Training: This involves teaching athletes techniques like visualization,
goal setting, and relaxation to enhance focus, motivation, and self-confidence.
 Performance Anxiety: Sports psychologists help athletes manage anxiety and stress,
which can negatively impact performance.
 Motivation: Understanding and optimizing motivation factors, such as intrinsic and
extrinsic rewards, to keep athletes engaged and driven.
 Team Dynamics: Analyzing and improving team cohesion, communication, and
leadership to create a positive and supportive environment.
 Injury Rehabilitation: Providing psychological support to athletes recovering from
injuries to help them cope with the emotional and mental challenges.

Benefits of Sport Psychology:

 Enhanced performance: Improved focus, motivation, and self-confidence can lead to

better athletic performance.
 Increased mental toughness: Developing resilience and the ability to bounce back from
setbacks.
 Improved well-being: Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression through physical activity
and mental skills training.
 Better decision-making: Enhanced cognitive skills and emotional regulation can lead to
better decision-making on and off the field.

In essence, sport psychology helps athletes reach their full potential by addressing the
mental side of the game.

2. Sports psychologists are mental health professionals who work with athletes to help them
improve their performance and well-being. They use psychological techniques to help athletes
manage stress, anxiety, and other mental challenges that can impact their performance. Some
common techniques used by sports psychologists include:

 Goal setting
 Visualization
 Relaxation techniques
 Cognitive behavioral therapy
 Sport psychology consultation

4
3. what are the classification of sport psychologist?

Show drafts

There are two primary classifications of sport psychologists:

1. Educational Sports Psychologists:

 Focus on teaching psychological skills to athletes to enhance their performance.

 Utilize techniques like goal-setting, visualization, relaxation, and self-talk.
 Work with athletes of all levels, from youth to professional.
 Do not have formal clinical training and cannot diagnose or treat mental disorders.

2. Clinical Sports Psychologists:

 Have advanced training in clinical psychology and can diagnose and treat mental health
disorders.
 Work with athletes who are struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, or substance
abuse.
 Provide therapy and counseling services to help athletes overcome these challenges.
 May also work with athletes on performance-related issues, but their primary focus is on
mental health.

It's important to note that while both types of psychologists work with athletes, their roles and
training differ. The best choice for an athlete depends on their specific needs and the severity of
their psychological issues.

4. Psychological preparation processes are a set of techniques and strategies used by athletes to
optimize their mental state and performance. These processes aim to enhance focus,
motivation, confidence, and overall mental resilience.

Here are some key psychological preparation processes:

1. Goal Setting:

 Specific: Clearly defined and measurable goals.

 Measurable: Quantifiable to track progress.
 Achievable: Realistic and attainable.
 Relevant: Aligned with the athlete's values and aspirations.
 Time-bound: Set with a specific deadline.

2. Visualization:

 Mental Rehearsal: Creating vivid mental images of successful performance.

5
 Sensory Experience: Engaging all senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to enhance the
experience.
 Positive Imagery: Focusing on desired outcomes and positive emotions.

3. Self-Talk:

 Positive Affirmations: Using encouraging and supportive self-talk.

 Instructional Self-Talk: Providing specific guidance and cues.
 Motivational Self-Talk: Boosting motivation and energy levels.

4. Relaxation Techniques:

 Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce tension.
 Deep Breathing: Calming the mind and body through controlled breathing.
 Meditation: Focusing the mind on a single point to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Arousal Regulation:

 Optimal Arousal Level: Finding the right balance between under- and over-arousal.
 Arousal Control Techniques: Using strategies like deep breathing, visualization, and
self-talk to manage arousal levels.

6. Attentional Focus:

 Selective Attention: Focusing on relevant cues and ignoring distractions.

 Maintaining Focus: Using techniques like mindfulness and self-talk to stay focused.

7. Routine Development:

 Pre-performance Routine: Establishing a consistent routine to create a sense of control

and reduce anxiety.
 Post-performance Routine: Implementing a routine to reflect on performance and
prepare for future events.

By effectively utilizing these psychological preparation processes, athletes can optimize their
mental state, enhance their performance, and achieve their full potential.

Sources and related content

6
7