Characteristics of an Athlete Not Needing the Skills of a
Sport Psychologist
An athlete who is excelling in their sport and would not have
reason to see a sports psychologist would have to be content
with their performance. They would possess superior self-monitoring
skills, yet they may not be fully aware of many aspects of their
skills. They have probably developed some degree of automaticity
when executing their given sport, yet are able to perceive the
essential kinematic information necessary to make subtle adjustment
in response to there environment. They have successfully developed
the skill of anticipating the actions of an opponent. These athletes
know situational probabilities and are able to plan their actions
in advance. They have a organized and structured knowledge of
their sport. They are able to effectively detect, locate, and
recognize patterns from within their sport. Their expertise is
specific to their task within their sport (Abernethy 1993).
Exercise & Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes exercise
as a valid treatment for anxiety and depression. Exercise or
physical activity assists the psycho-physiological adaptation
of emotional stress. Weight training, in particular, has shown
to raise body image and global self-esteem. Exercise has been
shown to improve mental function and is speculated to enhance
creativity and problem solving ability. Exercise can be seen
as one of the components essential for physical and mental health
in today's society.
Athlete Motivation Profile
Standardized athlete motivation profile used by NFL, and other
professional sports. Reports reliability of test. Measures components
of:
- Competitiveness
- Self Control
- Coachability
Institute of Athletic Motivation, One Lagoon Drive, Suite
141, Redwood Shores, CA 94065, (415) 598-0700
Reaction Time
Keep opponent blind to next move as long as possible. Having
a several options available or faking move can increase opponents
reaction time.
Body Dismorphic Disorder
Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD) is a compulsive obsessive ailment
characterized by a preoccupation with an imagined physical defect
in appearance or a vastly exaggerated concern about a minimal
defect. The preoccupation causes significant impairment in the
individuals life. Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects 1 in
50 people.
List Order
The first and last items in a series are best remembered.
This can be applied when determining the best order to present
information during coaching, teaching, or presenting information.
Interestingly, a similar phenomenon had been studied by early
kinesiologist, FE
Nipher in 1876.
FE Nipher, Assistant Professor of Physics in Washington University
(1876). Probability of error in writing a series of numbers.
American Journal of Science and Arts. 12(112), 79-80.
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