Sports Psychology Level 3

Unit one will explain the scope, purpose, and definitions of sports psychology as a science. You’ll gain knowledge of scientific principles that have guided the development of the subject so far. You’ll also take a look at some of the different approaches to understanding the influence that psychology can have on sporting performance.

Unit two will help you to differentiate between the terms ‘stress’, ‘stressors’, ‘arousal’ and ‘anxiety’, as well as understand the effect that each can have upon individuals in sporting contexts. You’ll discover some common sources of stress and anxiety for sportspeople, as well as exactly what happens when athletes ‘choke under pressure’.

Unit three will explore the relationship between self-confidence and performance in sport, as well as techniques athletes can use to give theirs a boost. You’ll examine the role that personality can play in sporting performance, as well as the characteristic of perfectionism.

In the fourth unit, you’ll examine factors that can influence the effective functioning of teams, and explore the relationship between team cohesion and performance. You’ll also learn some common techniques to help encourage closeness between teammates, and maintain a positive atmosphere.

Often athletes have more to worry about than whether they have performed poorly or well in a particular competition, sometimes having a profound effect their general well-being and mental health. Throughout this unit you’ll have an understanding of aspects of sports injury, explain the causes and symptoms of burnout in participants and lastly explaining the concept of exercise dependence and how it relates to body image.

Research has discovered that athletes who use process and performance goals rather than outcome goals exhibit less anxiety, greater levels of confidence, enhanced concentration, greater satisfaction and improved performance. This unit will help you develop an understanding of relaxation techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, psychological skills for goal setting and training programmes.