Module 2: Athletes' behaviour

The Athlete's Lifestyle

1. Appropriate behaviour introduction
   1. Conduct during competition and training
   2. Equal opportunities
   3. Appropriate role models
   4. Enhancing the status of the sport
   5. Case Studies
2. Management and coping strategies
   1. Mentoring and coaching
   2. Group and one-to-one discussions
   3. Change of lifestyle and routines
   4. Anger Management
   5. Counselling
   6. Coping strategies
   7. Sports Psychologists
   8. Case studies

Coping strategies

One method that can be incorporated in to a sports performers' training programme is visualisation. This can be in the form coping strategies to help performers prepare for stressful situations. These can be in 2 forms:

Cognitive anxiety management - This affects the mind and therefore psychological anxiety

Somatic anxiety management - Techniques, such a relaxation, affect the body directly

These can both influence each other. For example, controlling heart rate by relaxation methods (somatic) can make a performer feel more positive about performing (cognitive). Positive thinking (cognitive) can then in turn control heart rate (somatic).

Methods:

Imagery/Rehearsal - Creating real life feelings/visions.

• This can help calm nerves as you can 'put yourself' somewhere else.
• Also useful as you can replicate the feeling of movement or emotion

1. Internal Imagery/Rehearsal - where a performer imagines themselves doing the activity and can simulate the feelings.

2. External Imagery/Rehearsal - Where you picture yourself doing an activity from outside the body

To do this a performer must

• Relax in a warm, comfortable setting before attempting
• Use real-life situations
• Short but frequent bursts
• Set goals
• Construct a programme for imagery training

Self Talk - This is where a performer uses POSITIVE self-talk to try to help improve performance. This is a strategy commonly used during competitions.

• This technique helps as the performer is positive about past and future performances.

• For example, I know I can score from this free kick, I did this against .... I know I can do it again now.

Other relaxation strategy to help performers eliminate becoming over-aroused before competitions is to listen to music. This can be done in a quiet, relaxed environment and involves the performer listening to relaxing music.

The key issues is that the performer should develop and practice strategies as each will find some better than others. Once comfortable with a strategy, this should be developed and used regularly so it becomes an integral part of preparations or reactions to stress.