SCSA Physical Education Studies Sport psychology

Answers could include:

Olyslagers – self-talk:

• by talking to herself she is able to reduce stress/enhance motivation
• allows Olyslagers to lower her heart rate and remain composed/increasing her intensity for her jump
• allowing her to reach optimal performance state for the next jump.

Patterson – performance routine:

• by rocking back and forth she is lowering or increasing her arousal levels
• Patterson’s rehearsed movement pattern could have been triggered, ensuring a sense of calm
• allowing her to reach optimal performance state for the next jump.

Other strategies:

• imagery: visualise/mentally rehearse performing the perfect jump over the height
• goal-setting: setting a short-term goal at the start of event to jump over a particular height
• relaxation: any technique used to lower mental and/or physical stress.

Impulse is Force x Time which causes a change in momentum of an object. Both the magnitude and duration of the force determine the effect of an object's motion, and the application of force over time changes the momentum of an object.

When leaping off the ground, the jumper aims to maximise change in momentum (impulse) to increase velocity to maximum after take-off. Increasing force on take-off generates greater vertical velocity by maximising segments used. The jumper maximises the time at which the force is being applied by flexion at the ankle, hip, and knee, and more impulse on take-off allows for a higher jump.

When landing on the mat, the jumper aims to maximise change in momentum (impulse) to decrease velocity to zero on landing. The foam of the mat increases the time the force is applied by the jumper landing. More contact time with the mat means maximum time of force application decreases peak force, and less force on landing prevents injury to the athlete.

Environmental factors include eligibility to represent Australia, opportunities for socialising through team training camps and social events, and pride in representing Australia.

Leadership factors involve mutual respect between athletes and leadership, a leadership style that meets the needs of the Australian team, and high-level communication skills between the athletes and leadership.

Team factors include a collective identity where players understand what it means to represent Australia, a desire for team success through goals or aims, and expected behaviours.

Topspin causes the ball to drop or dip and travel shorter in flight, which allows for a greater margin of error.

Backspin causes the ball to rise higher in the air and travel further, and is used to keep the ball in play if the player needs to stay in the rally, giving the player time to get back into position.

Sidespin causes the ball to curve to the left or right depending on what side of the ball spin is imparted, and is used to curve the ball away from the opponent's reach.

Goal-setting is a process of deciding what one wants to achieve by implementing and following certain steps in order to achieve a goal. It can be broken down into short- and long-term goals, where short-term goals are stepping stones to long-term goals.

For motivation, Jessica could set short-term goals leading up to her major event. By achieving these short-term goals, her motivation will be improved, keeping her on track to achieve her long-term goal of the Olympics. Jessica needs to ensure that she sets realistic and challenging goals, otherwise if her goals are too hard or easy her motivation might decrease, thus reducing her performance.

For arousal, Jessica could set realistic goals during training to enhance then help maintain an optimal level of arousal, resulting in improved performance to ensure she is at peak mental performance for the event. She could also set realistic performance goals to optimise her peak arousal state and be ‘in the zone’ come event day.

For concentration, Jessica should set medium/long-term goals that focus on her desired performance outcome to provide focus for training and preparation for the major event. It is effective to use short-term goal setting to break up a larger goal into manageable/achievable parts to keep her focussed.

Athletes should consume medium to low glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrate foods 2–4 hours prior to the race, as they release glucose slowly into the blood stream for use during the race.

They should focus on eating carbohydrates, as they are the primary fuel source for an event.

Additionally, they should maintain hydration, as it delays the effects of dehydration and is essential for fuelling the body’s natural cooling mechanism through sweat to prevent heatstroke.