Mental Plans in Applied Sport Psychology

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What is the primary purpose of a mental plan in applied sport psychology?

To eliminate goal setting from an athlete's practice

To focus solely on physical training for competition

To help athletes build mental skills and maintain a flow mind-set (correct)

To develop superstitious rituals for athletes

What is a key characteristic of a mental plan?

It is only used during competition

It is only used for physical training

It is a series of systematic, individualized strategies (correct)

It is rigid and inflexible

What is the ultimate goal of a mental preparation plan?

To prepare athletes for failure

To emphasize physical training over mental preparation

To help athletes reach a flow mind-set (correct)

To create superstitions for athletes

What type of mental plan helps athletes get back on track when things go wrong?

Mental regain plan (B) Signup and view all the answers

How should mental plans be used by athletes?

As a routine to combine mental and physical skills (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a mental plan and a superstitious ritual?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of mental plans in athletic performance?

To create a flow mind-set that stimulates optimal performance (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between rituals and mental plans?

Rituals are automatic, while mental plans are intentional and strategic (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of experiencing flow in athletic performance?

Enhanced focus and concentration on performance-relevant cues (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why athletes with mental plans perform better under pressure?

They are able to maintain a flow mind-set and perform automatically (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of mental training for athletes?

To help athletes maximize flow experiences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between successful and less successful athletes in terms of mental preparation?

Successful athletes have a more consistent mental preparation routine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of mental plans in terms of performance quality?

They help athletes maintain an optimal mind-set throughout competition (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why athletes with mental plans are more consistent in their performance?

They have a more consistent physical training routine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of mental plans in terms of athlete development?

Addressing weak areas and enabling personal excellence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of mental plans in promoting optimal performance?

They help athletes enhance automaticity and mental toughness (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why champion athletes perform consistently?

They use systematic mental plans to automate their mind-set (D) Signup and view all the answers

What separates champions from the rest in dealing with adversity?

Their willingness to admit that competition seldom follows a script and develop plans to handle problems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of mental preparation plans?

To create a flow mind-set before practice and competition (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a backup plan in mental preparation?

To use when the standard plan proves ineffective (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of maintaining continuity between mental preparation plans for practice and competition?

It enables athletes to seamlessly transfer skills from practice to competition (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of standard mental performance plans for races and routines?

Developing specific strategies to maintain a flow mind-set during each major segment of the event (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preperformance and between-performance routines in self-paced tasks?

To maximize the quality and consistency of performance (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mental recovery plans?

To help competitors regain their emotional composure and get back into a flow mind-set (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using mental plans in competition?

It enables athletes to perform well without their A-game (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of mentally tough competitors?

They are willing to admit that competition seldom follows a script and develop plans to handle problems (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Kim's imagery during the jog and static stretching portions of her warm-up?

To get the feeling of running with perfect form and enhance readiness (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Kim use relaxation during race simulation?

To control anxiety and focus on quick clips of the race (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Kim's energization during dynamic stretching?

To feel strong and powerful (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of self-talk during Kim's race check-in and isolation?

To stay positive and use cue words (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the questions in figure 13.3 on page 214?

To help athletes create their mental preparation plans (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is critical in developing mental preparation plans?

The length and sequencing of steps (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why do athletes typically have more need to relax than energize before competition?

Because of the natural arousing effects of performing (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Kim use to maintain relaxation during her bathroom break and race check-in?

Relaxation techniques (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of combining mental and physical warm-ups?

To enhance readiness and performance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Kim use to focus on quick clips of key portions of her race during the jog and static stretching?

Imagery (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for using cue words that emphasize feel and trust?

To promote automatic skill execution (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a mental preparation plan?

To develop a flow mind-set and maximize performance (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using goal setting in a mental preparation plan?

It motivates athletes to strive for excellence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of imagery in a mental preparation plan?

To boost athlete confidence and program goals (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a mental warm-up routine?

To create a flow mind-set and maximize performance (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of combining physical and mental warm-ups?

To enhance athlete focus and motivation (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can athletes use cue words in their mental preparation plans?

By automating cue words through extensive practice (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a structured preshot routine?

It provides a sense of structure and familiarity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a mental preparation plan?

To develop a flow mind-set and maximize performance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of using imagery in a mental preparation plan?

To boost confidence and program goals (C) Signup and view all the answers

In interactive sports, what is the primary focus of standard mental performance plans?

Focusing on strategies for anticipated critical points during the contest (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a between-play plan in interactive sports?

To provide a routine for reacting to breaks in the action (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a backup mental performance plan?

To overcome specific problems that regularly arise in practice or competition (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a mental recovery plan?

To provide a standard coping routine for unexpected or uncommon setbacks (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of triggers in mental plans?

To initiate the mental plan and focus attention (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a release in a mental plan?

To eliminate negative thoughts and anxiety by shedding the effects of bad plays (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a cue word in a mental plan?

To remind athletes of process concerns that enhance performance (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what type of sports are between-play plans typically used?

Interactive sports with breaks in the action (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a mental recovery plan and an athlete's composure?

A mental recovery plan helps athletes regain composure (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a mental plan in terms of an athlete's performance?

To help athletes perform as well as circumstances allow (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason athletes should integrate their mental and physical warm-ups into a combined routine?

To create a flow mind-set and maintain composure (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key consideration for athletes when designing their mental preparation plans?

The time constraints of the sport (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a backup mental performance plan?

It enhances the chance of success by preparing athletes to handle common problems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should athletes do when problems consistently arise during competition?

Identify whether an adjustment is needed to maintain a flow feeling (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of periodic checks during a race or competition?

To check on the athletes' mind-set and adjust mental skills as needed (C) Signup and view all the answers

How often should athletes rehearse their backup mental performance plans?

Extensively, to ensure success (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of including specific action plans in mental performance plans?

It provides a proactive approach to performance enhancement (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why should athletes know which mental skills are most beneficial to them personally?

So they can focus on using them to maintain a flow mind-set (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a mental preparation plan for athletes?

To provide a proactive approach to performance enhancement (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for athletes when creating their mental preparation plans?

Their personal goals and preferences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of races and routines in terms of task difficulty?

The task is competitive with somewhat fixed difficulty. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How should athletes develop a race plan for a competitive task?

By developing goals and action plans for three to seven meaningful parts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a backup plan in races and routines?

To deal with strategy problems and race performance concerns. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of self-paced tasks?

They involve repetitions of the same or similar movement patterns. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of a preperformance routine in self-paced tasks?

It creates a flow mind-set and automaticity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How should athletes develop a backup plan for self-paced tasks?

By identifying what cue to use to start the backup plan, how to develop new goals and action plans, and how to regain a flow mind-set. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a between-performance routine in self-paced tasks?

To help athletes regain a flow mind-set and positive outlook. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How should athletes use figure 13.5 on page 218 to help them develop their race plans?

By using it to develop goals and action plans for each race segment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a preperformance routine in self-paced tasks?

It helps athletes to execute with greater automaticity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a mental performance plan for self-paced tasks?

It involves a preperformance routine and a systematic between-performance routine. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of interactive sports that affects mental performance plans?

The nature of the task changes according to the opponent and strategies employed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of mental performance plans for interactive sports?

Responding systematically to anticipatable critical situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying critical situations and performance events in interactive sports?

To focus on responding systematically to anticipatable critical situations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for athletes to develop a mental performance plan for interactive sports?

Select two to four critical situations and performance events during practice and competition. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a plan development form in interactive sports?

It provides a structured approach to developing a mental performance plan. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do athletes need to identify good and bad performance trends in interactive sports?

To react to specific performance trends and make adjustments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of developing backup plans for athletes in interactive sports?

To prepare them for unexpected situations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key benefit of using a mental recovery plan?

It provides a general coping strategy for unexpected problems (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the 'refocus' phase in the react, reflect, refocus model?

To use cue words and trigger automated responses (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a physical trigger to start a mental recovery plan?

To provide a clear signal to start the recovery plan (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using affirmations and counterarguments in a mental recovery plan?

It reduces stress and increases confidence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of developing mental toughness skills in athletes?

To perform at their best under any circumstances (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'education' phase in developing mental toughness skills?

To provide athletes with a general education about mental toughness (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using between-play routines in interactive sports?

It helps athletes to regain a flow state (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why athletes should develop a between-performance routine first?

It is a collective routine that benefits team cohesion (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using cue words in mental plans?

To trigger automated responses and regain a flow state (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an effective mental plan?

It is highly automated (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of developing a mental plan for athletes?

To attain, maintain, and regain a flow state (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have athletes log key information about their flow mind-set and subsequent performance?

To develop self-awareness and create effective mental plans (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the acquisition phase of mental plan development?

To identify the most valuable mental plan to develop first (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to practice mental plans systematically?

To make mental plans highly automated (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a phased approach to implement mental plans?

It allows athletes to focus on one plan at a time (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why mental plans should be tested using imagery?

To feel comfortable with the plan's rhythm and flow (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to automate mental skills in the implementation phase?

To ensure that athletes can execute mental plans without thinking (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of simulation in the implementation phase?

To automate mental skills (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to revise mental plans freely if they feel uncomfortable?

To ensure that athletes are comfortable with their mental plans (D) Signup and view all the answers