sports physcology

• What is the difference between open and closed skills?

  • Open skills: performed in changing environments, reacting to external factors.
  • Closed skills: performed in a predictable environment, using the same action.
• What distinguishes gross skills from fine skills?

  • Gross skills: powerful movements by large muscle groups.
  • Fine skills: precise movements by smaller muscle groups.
• How do self-paced skills differ from externally-paced skills?

  • Self-paced skills: timing controlled by the performer.
  • Externally-paced skills: timing affected by external factors.
• What is the definition of a skill?

  A learned action to bring about the result you want with certainty and minimum effort.
• How is ability defined in the context of sports?

  A person’s set of traits that control their potential to learn a skill.
• What is the difference between basic and complex skills?

  • Basic skills: quick to learn, requiring little thought or decision-making.
  • Complex skills: need lots of decision-making, requiring thought and coordination.
• What does SMART stand for in goal setting?

  • Specific: say what you want to achieve.
  • Measurable: so you can see progress.
  • Accepted: decided by everyone involved.
  • Realistic: needs to be achievable.
  • Time-bound: set a deadline.
• What are the types of guidance in sports training?

  • Verbal: guidance given in words.
  • Visual: guidance given visually, e.g., videos or demonstrations.
  • Mechanical: guidance using equipment.
  • Manual: when a coach physically moves your body through a technique.
• What are the types of feedback in sports performance?

  • Intrinsic: feedback from within (kinaesthetic).
  • Extrinsic: feedback from someone else.
  • Positive: what went well.
  • Negative: what could be improved.
• How does feedback fit into the information processing model?


  Feedback is part of the model that helps improve the skill next time.
• What is the Inverted-U Theory in relation to arousal and performance?

  • Ideal arousal level varies for different skills.
  • Gross skills require higher arousal.
  • Fine skills require lower arousal.
  • Performance is optimal at a moderate level of arousal.
• How does aggression affect sports performance?

  • Can improve performance when used properly.
  • Direct aggression: involves physical contact with another person.
  • Indirect aggression: aimed at an object, e.g., the ball.
• How do personality traits influence sports preferences?


  • Introverts: prefer solitary sports requiring fine skills and low arousal.
  • Extroverts: prefer team sports that are fast-paced and use gross skills.
• What are the types of motivation in sports?

  • Intrinsic: motivation from enjoyment or good feelings.
  • Extrinsic: motivation through rewards from others (tangible or intangible).
• What are the six mental preparation techniques?

  1. Mental rehearsal
  2. Visualisation
  3. Deep breathing
  4. Imagery
  5. Positive self-talk/thinking
  6. Selective attention
• What is the role of stress management techniques in sports?

  • Techniques help control arousal levels.
  • Important for maintaining focus and performance.
• What is the ideal arousal level for gross skills?

  Higher arousal
• What is the ideal arousal level for fine skills?

  Lower arousal
• How does high arousal affect performance?

  High arousal can lead to anxiety, nervousness, or over-aggressiveness, which may cause performance to suffer.
• What happens when arousal levels are too low?

  Low arousal can lead to a lack of excitement, making it unlikely to perform well.