THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PREPARATION FOR SERIOUS COMPETITION: AN 8-HOUR WORKSHOP

This workshop is appropriate for all athletes and coaches interested in developing their understanding of what is involved in producing consistent high levels of competitive performance. The skills for attaining maximum performance orientations are explained. The self-control procedures involved with preparing for serious competitions and sustaining performance in competition are emphasized. Participants should develop a set of actions that will enhance performance consistency and levels.

Prospective Audience

Coaches, serious athletes, students of sport, and sports administrators.

1. Athlete-centered Problems That Affect Competition Performances
   • Problems prior to the competition day
   • Circadian rhythms or life-style time shifts
   • Involvement in new surroundings
   • Home and away advantage.
   • Pre-competition day stress indicators.
   • Competition day problems.
   • Attaining appropriate readiness.
   • Controlled readiness.
   • Anxiety.
   • Attentional control.
   • Coach and/or official reactions.
   • Athlete input.
2. Essential Features of Competition Psychology
   • Positive thinking.
   • Content decision making.
   • Self-fulfilling prophecy.
   • The coping skill.
   • Periodic goals during performance.
3. The Structure of Competition Strategies.
   • Pre-competition actions.
   • Wake-up procedures.
   • Normal planned routine.
   • At the competition site.
   • Contest build-up routine.
   • Competition emphases.
   • Segmenting the event.
   • Performance initiation.
   • Psychological build-up.
   • Task-relevant thinking.
   • Positive self-statements.
   • Cue words.
   • Coping strategies.
   • De-briefing.
4. Performance Enhancement Actions
   • How to mentally rehearse.
   • When and how to relax.
   • How to practice positive imagery.
   • How to achieve maximum readiness states.

Materials

A master copy of a workbook which needs to be reproduced and distributed to participants will be supplied. The length of the workbook is 33 pages.

Reference Texts

• Rushall, B. S. (1979). Psyching in sport. London: Pelham.
• Rushall, B. S. (1986). The psychology of successful cross-country ski racing. Ottawa: Cross Country Canada.
• Rushall, B. S., & Potgieter, J. R. (1987). The psychology of successful competing in endurance events. Pretoria: South African Association of Sport, Physical Education, and Recreation.
• Rushall, B. S. (1992). Mental skills training for sports. Sports Science Associates, 4225 Orchard Drive, Spring Valley, California 91977.

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