Title of the workshop:
Introduction in sport mental skill training
Lecturer:
Karen Verniers – Thomas More
Language:
English
Number of participants by preference: Max. 20
Aim and background of this workshop
How many times have you seen athletes and coaches attribute their poor performances to reasons
as losing motivation or tightening up under pressure?
In any sport a player’s success (or failure) results from a combination of physical and mental abilities,
body ánd mind. Many athletes typically spend hours a week to physical and technical practice, and
little, if any, to mental practice. However, similar to physical skills training, psychological skills such as
maintaining and focusing concentration, regulating arousal levels, and maintaining motivation also
need to be systematic practiced. These skills are very important in order to achieve a peak
performance.
Specific aims of this wokhop:
 Understanding the importance of psychological skill training in sports.
 Getting knowledge of different techniques used in the area of sport psychology
 Practical training of the techniques
This workshop introduces you in psychological skills training in sports. Some of the most important
and used techniques as relaxation, breathing exercises, imagery, focusing, positive self-talk, will be
explained. After a short theoretical introduction, each technique will be illustrated through video
material and exercises, in which you will participate actively.
Recommended literature
•
Cox, R.H. (2007). Sport Psychology: Concepts and Applications (6th ed.). New York: McGrawHill.
•
Horn, T.S. (2002). Advances in Sport Psychology (2nd. ed) (pp.529 – 553). Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics.
•
Weinberg, R.S., & Gould, D. (2003). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (3rd ed.).
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.