Multiple choice: Which type of motivation is most strongly linked with long-term persistence in sport participation?
A) Motivation driven only by external rewards
B) Motivation driven by avoiding punishment
C) Motivation driven by enjoyment, interest, and personal value
D) Motivation driven by coach surveillance
Correct answer: C) Motivation driven by enjoyment, interest, and personal value
Explanation: When athletes value and enjoy the activity, their motivation is self-endorsed, which supports sustained effort and well-being.

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Short answer: Explain the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation in athletes.
Correct answer: Intrinsic motivation comes from enjoyment or interest in the activity itself, while extrinsic motivation comes from external outcomes such as trophies, praise, or status.
Explanation: The source of the drive differentiates the two; intrinsic sources tend to support better quality engagement.

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Fill in: A goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound is called a __________ goal.
Correct answer: SMART
Explanation: The acronym describes five qualities that make goals clear and trackable, improving the likelihood of success.

True or False: Outcome goals are fully under the athlete’s control.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Outcomes depend on opponents and conditions; process and performance goals are more controllable.

 

Multiple choice: Which goal type best enhances daily training focus?
A) Outcome goal (for example, win the championship)
B) Process goal (for example, keep a tall posture on every sprint)
C) Dream goal (for example, be the best ever)
D) Fantasy goal (for example, run without fatigue)
Correct answer: B) Process goal (for example, keep a tall posture on every sprint)
Explanation: Process goals target controllable technique or strategy elements that guide practice.

 

Short answer: Describe one way a coach can support athlete autonomy during practice.
Correct answer: A coach can offer meaningful choices such as selecting drill order or strategy options, and explain the rationale for tasks while inviting athlete input.
Explanation: Respecting choice and perspective fosters self-endorsed motivation.

 

Fill in: The theory that emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness as psychological needs is called __________.
Correct answer: self-determination theory
Explanation: Satisfying these needs nurtures high-quality motivation.

 

True or False: Giving only general praise such as “good job” is more effective than specific informational feedback.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Specific feedback that links behavior to improvement is more effective for learning and confidence.

 

Multiple choice: Which statement best captures the Yerkes–Dodson principle for performance?
A) Lower arousal always produces better performance
B) Higher arousal always produces better performance
C) Optimal performance occurs at a moderate level of arousal that depends on the task
D) Arousal has no relation to performance
Correct answer: C) Optimal performance occurs at a moderate level of arousal that depends on the task
Explanation: The arousal–performance relation is curvilinear and task-dependent.

 

Short answer: Define competitive state anxiety in clear terms.
Correct answer: Competitive state anxiety is a temporary emotional response of tension, worry, and heightened physiological arousal that occurs before or during competition.
Explanation: It fluctuates with situations and is distinct from a general tendency to be anxious.

 

Fill in: The term for narrowing or broadening attention to match task demands is attentional __________.
Correct answer: flexibility
Explanation: Effective performers shift between focused and broad attention as needed.

 

True or False: Somatic relaxation methods target thoughts directly rather than the body.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Somatic methods such as breathing and muscle relaxation target bodily arousal; cognitive methods target thoughts.

 

Multiple choice: Which cueing strategy most often helps closed, precision skills under pressure?
A) Internal focus on body parts
B) External focus on the effect of the movement
C) No focus at all
D) Focus on the audience
Correct answer: B) External focus on the effect of the movement
Explanation: Directing attention to the action’s effect often improves automatic control and accuracy.

 

Short answer: Explain what a pre-performance routine is and why it helps.
Correct answer: A pre-performance routine is a brief, consistent sequence of thoughts and actions before a skill that helps regulate arousal, focus attention, and cue execution.
Explanation: Consistency reduces distractions and anchors the correct mindset.

 

Fill in: The tendency for individuals to reduce effort when working in groups compared with working alone is called social __________.
Correct answer: loafing
Explanation: Perceived diffusion of responsibility can lower individual effort.

 

True or False: Task cohesion and social cohesion are the same construct.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Task cohesion concerns working together to achieve goals, while social cohesion concerns interpersonal attraction and bonding.

 

Multiple choice: Which leadership style most consistently predicts athlete satisfaction and effort?
A) Autocratic with no input from athletes
B) Laissez-faire with minimal guidance
C) Transformational leadership that inspires, supports, and models high standards
D) Micromanagement with constant correction
Correct answer: C) Transformational leadership that inspires, supports, and models high standards
Explanation: Inspirational motivation, individual consideration, and ethical modeling promote motivation and cohesion.

 

Short answer: Define collective efficacy in a team sport context.
Correct answer: Collective efficacy is a team’s shared belief in its combined ability to organize and execute actions required to achieve goals.
Explanation: Strong shared belief predicts persistence and coordinated effort.

 

Fill in: The motivational climate that emphasizes learning, effort, and personal improvement is called a __________-involving climate.
Correct answer: mastery
Explanation: Mastery climates support perceived competence and persistence.

 

True or False: Fear of failure only harms performance and cannot ever motivate effort.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Fear can motivate preparation, but excessive fear undermines confidence and enjoyment.

 

Multiple choice: Which imagery content is most useful for improving technique in a complex skill?
A) Only visualizing the trophy ceremony
B) Visualizing the kinesthetic feel, timing, and environment of the movement
C) Visualizing unrelated relaxing scenes
D) Visualizing opponents failing
Correct answer: B) Visualizing the kinesthetic feel, timing, and environment of the movement
Explanation: Technique imagery includes sensory details that map onto actual movement execution.

 

Short answer: Describe two characteristics of effective motivational self-talk.
Correct answer: Effective self-talk is brief, specific, and present-tense, and it directs attention to actionable cues such as “drive the knee” or “smooth and quick.”
Explanation: Concrete, controllable cues are more effective than vague statements.

 

Fill in: The belief in one’s capability to execute a specific task is called self-__________.
Correct answer: efficacy
Explanation: Self-efficacy is task-specific and influences choice, effort, and persistence.

 

True or False: Confidence should always be maximized to the highest possible level.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Overconfidence can reduce preparation and attention; optimal confidence is strong but realistic.

 

Multiple choice: Which factor most powerfully builds self-efficacy over time?
A) Verbal persuasion alone
B) Vicarious experience alone
C) Mastery experiences with successful practice
D) Physiological arousal alone
Correct answer: C) Mastery experiences with successful practice
Explanation: Repeated success provides direct evidence of capability.

 

Short answer: Explain what “choking under pressure” means in sport performance.
Correct answer: Choking under pressure is a significant performance drop in a high-stakes situation despite the athlete’s skill and preparation, often due to attentional disruption or overcontrol.
Explanation: Pressure alters focus and control, which disrupts well-learned skills.

 

Fill in: When athletes focus attention inward on mechanical details of a well-learned skill during pressure, it is called explicit __________.
Correct answer: monitoring
Explanation: Excess self-focus can interfere with automatic control.

 

True or False: Mindfulness training aims to eliminate negative thoughts.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Mindfulness emphasizes observing thoughts without judgment and returning attention to the present task.

 

Multiple choice: Which breathing pattern is most useful to down-regulate arousal quickly?
A) Fast shallow chest breathing
B) Breath-holding for as long as possible
C) Slow diaphragmatic breathing with extended exhalation
D) Random breathing
Correct answer: C) Slow diaphragmatic breathing with extended exhalation
Explanation: Longer exhalations stimulate parasympathetic activity and reduce arousal.

 

Short answer: State one reason to integrate acceptance-based strategies into mental skills training.
Correct answer: Acceptance-based strategies help athletes make space for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while committing to valued actions, which preserves focus under stress.
Explanation: Effortful control can backfire; acceptance reduces struggle with internal events.

 

Fill in: The systematic alternation of muscle tensing and relaxing to reduce bodily arousal is called progressive muscle __________.
Correct answer: relaxation
Explanation: This method increases awareness of tension and promotes release.

 

True or False: Routines and rituals are the same because both are based on superstition.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Routines are purposeful performance scripts; rituals are symbolic actions not functionally tied to performance.

 

Multiple choice: Which feedback schedule best supports long-term learning of a new skill?
A) Constant feedback after every attempt
B) No feedback at all
C) Reduced or summary feedback that encourages self-evaluation
D) Feedback about outcomes only, never about process
Correct answer: C) Reduced or summary feedback that encourages self-evaluation
Explanation: Spacing and reducing feedback develops error detection and autonomy.

 

Short answer: Describe one method to prevent social loafing in team training.
Correct answer: Increase identifiability of each athlete’s contribution, such as individual statistics or roles linked to outcomes, and emphasize collective accountability.
Explanation: When effort is visible and meaningful, loafing decreases.

 

Fill in: The loss of performance efficiency caused by audience presence on complex tasks is called social __________.
Correct answer: inhibition
Explanation: Audience can help simple or well-learned tasks but hinder complex ones.

 

True or False: Cohesion always causes better performance regardless of other factors.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: The cohesion–performance link depends on task type, role clarity, and norms.

 

Multiple choice: Which communication behavior is most likely to build trust with athletes?
A) Only giving directives
B) Active listening with empathic responses and clear expectations
C) Using sarcasm to motivate
D) Avoiding difficult conversations
Correct answer: B) Active listening with empathic responses and clear expectations
Explanation: Trust grows with understanding, respect, and clarity.

 

Short answer: Define role clarity and role acceptance in a team.
Correct answer: Role clarity means an athlete understands responsibilities and evaluation criteria; role acceptance means the athlete is willing to perform that role for the team’s benefit.
Explanation: Both predict satisfaction and commitment.

 

Fill in: The process of reframing a stressor as a challenge rather than a threat is called cognitive __________.
Correct answer: appraisal
Explanation: Appraisal shapes emotion, physiology, and action tendencies.

 

True or False: Pre-game music choice cannot influence arousal or mood.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Music tempo and personal meaning can up-regulate or down-regulate arousal.

 

Multiple choice: Which psychological skill is most directly trained by mindfulness meditation?
A) Maximal strength
B) Sustained present-moment attention with nonjudgmental awareness
C) Aerobic capacity
D) Reaction time only
Correct answer: B) Sustained present-moment attention with nonjudgmental awareness
Explanation: Mindfulness trains attention regulation and acceptance.

 

Short answer: Explain the difference between trait anxiety and state anxiety in sport.
Correct answer: Trait anxiety is a general tendency to perceive situations as threatening, while state anxiety is a temporary response to a specific competitive situation.
Explanation: Trait is relatively stable; state fluctuates with contexts.

 

Fill in: The belief that abilities can be developed with effort and strategies is called a __________ mindset.
Correct answer: growth
Explanation: Growth mindset supports persistence and adaptive responses to setbacks.

 

True or False: Imagery must always be done with eyes closed to be effective.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Eyes open or closed can work; vividness and controllability matter more.

 

Multiple choice: Which strategy is most effective for reducing the risk of choking under pressure?
A) Adding last-minute technical tips
B) Practicing under simulated pressure with focus cues and routines
C) Avoiding all pressure situations in training
D) Relying only on pep talks
Correct answer: B) Practicing under simulated pressure with focus cues and routines
Explanation: Training the skills under pressure builds resilience and automaticity.

 

Short answer: State one way to foster a mastery-involving climate on a team.
Correct answer: Emphasize effort, learning, and personal progress, provide choices, and recognize improvement rather than only social comparison.
Explanation: These practices support competence and intrinsic motivation.

 

Fill in: A diary or log used to record thoughts, emotions, and performance cues is a performance __________.
Correct answer: journal
Explanation: Reflection supports learning and self-regulation.

 

True or False: Punishment is the most effective way to change athlete behavior over time.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Positive reinforcement and clear expectations are generally more effective and ethical.

 

Multiple choice: Which statement about perfectionism in athletes is most accurate?
A) Perfectionism always improves performance
B) Striving for high standards with self-compassion can be helpful, while harsh self-criticism is harmful
C) All perfectionism is harmful
D) Perfectionism has no relation to stress
Correct answer: B) Striving for high standards with self-compassion can be helpful, while harsh self-criticism is harmful
Explanation: The attitude toward mistakes differentiates adaptive from maladaptive patterns.

 

Short answer: Explain what “controllable controllables” means in performance preparation.
Correct answer: It means focusing on aspects within one’s influence, such as effort, attitude, routines, and strategy, while letting go of uncontrollable factors like weather or officiating.
Explanation: Directing energy to controllable factors improves execution.

 

Fill in: The process of mentally rehearsing how to cope with likely challenges is called coping __________.
Correct answer: imagery
Explanation: Coping imagery prepares responses to obstacles, reducing surprise and panic.

 

True or False: Group norms never influence individual behavior in teams.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Shared expectations shape behavior, effort, and communication.

 

Multiple choice: Which factor most strongly predicts adherence to a mental skills program?
A) The number of worksheets assigned
B) The perceived usefulness and personalization of the skills
C) The cost of the program
D) The number of teammates in the room
Correct answer: B) The perceived usefulness and personalization of the skills
Explanation: Athletes practice more when they see relevance and fit.

 

Short answer: Describe one ethical boundary for a sport psychology practitioner working with a team.
Correct answer: Maintain confidentiality of individual consultations and obtain informed consent, sharing only agreed-upon information with coaches.
Explanation: Ethical practice protects trust and welfare.

 

Fill in: The sense of belonging and mutual care among teammates reflects the need for __________.
Correct answer: relatedness
Explanation: Feeling connected supports motivation and well-being.

 

True or False: Debriefs should focus only on mistakes to maximize learning.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Balanced debriefs reinforce strengths and extract lessons from errors.

 

Multiple choice: Which instruction will most likely enhance motor learning for a novice?
A) “Swing better”
B) “Move the racquet to contact in front of the hip”
C) “Win the point”
D) “Do not miss”
Correct answer: B) “Move the racquet to contact in front of the hip”
Explanation: Specific, actionable cues guide movement more effectively than vague commands.

 

Short answer: Define resilience in the context of sport.
Correct answer: Resilience is the capacity to adapt, recover, and grow following setbacks, stressors, or failures in training and competition.
Explanation: It involves coping skills, support, and flexible thinking.

 

Fill in: The gradual increase of stressors in practice to build tolerance is called progressive __________.
Correct answer: exposure
Explanation: Exposure with coping skills trains performance under stress.

 

True or False: Visualization quality depends only on visual detail, not on other senses.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Adding kinesthetic, auditory, and emotional content enhances effectiveness.

 

Multiple choice: Which team intervention is most likely to improve role acceptance?
A) Assign roles without explanation
B) Clarify roles, explain how they support goals, and invite input
C) Rotate roles randomly every game
D) Keep roles secret to motivate effort
Correct answer: B) Clarify roles, explain how they support goals, and invite input
Explanation: Understanding purpose and having voice increases buy-in.

 

Short answer: Describe one strategy for effective sideline communication during games.
Correct answer: Use concise, positive, and specific cues aligned with practice language, delivered at appropriate moments when the athlete is receptive.
Explanation: Timing and clarity determine usefulness.

 

Fill in: The harmful pattern of physical and emotional exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and sport devaluation is called athlete __________.
Correct answer: burnout
Explanation: Burnout reflects chronic stress and imbalance between demands and resources.

 

True or False: Time pressure always harms decision making in experts.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Experts can use pattern recognition and simple rules effectively under time pressure.

 

Multiple choice: Which parental behavior best supports youth sport enjoyment and persistence?
A) Emphasizing winning at all costs
B) Providing autonomy-supportive encouragement and unconditional regard
C) Offering technical corrections after every mistake
D) Comparing the child to teammates
Correct answer: B) Providing autonomy-supportive encouragement and unconditional regard
Explanation: Supportive involvement nurtures enjoyment and self-driven effort.

 

Short answer: Explain why cultural competence matters in sport psychology practice.
Correct answer: Cultural competence ensures that communication, interventions, and goals respect the athlete’s values and context, improving trust and effectiveness.
Explanation: Sensitivity to identity and culture promotes alliance.

 

Fill in: The interpretive bias that attributes success to external factors and failure to internal flaws is a __________ attribution pattern.
Correct answer: self-defeating
Explanation: Maladaptive attributions undermine confidence and learning.

 

True or False: A single team meeting can permanently change team culture.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Culture shifts require consistent behaviors, reinforcement, and time.

 

Multiple choice: Which statement about injury rehabilitation adherence is most accurate?
A) It depends only on pain level
B) It is improved by clear goals, social support, and confidence in the plan
C) It is unaffected by mood
D) It is determined by personality alone
Correct answer: B) It is improved by clear goals, social support, and confidence in the plan
Explanation: Psychological factors strongly influence rehab behaviors.

 

Short answer: Describe one coping skill that helps athletes manage fear after injury when returning to play.
Correct answer: Graduated exposure to feared movements with imagery and confidence cues helps rebuild trust in the body.
Explanation: Stepwise progression restores control and reduces avoidance.

 

Fill in: The perception that the rehabilitation plan will lead to recovery and return to play reflects treatment __________.
Correct answer: expectancy
Explanation: Positive expectations increase engagement and outcomes.

 

True or False: Only the injured athlete needs support; teammates are unaffected.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Injuries alter roles and emotions for the team; inclusive support helps everyone adapt.

 

Multiple choice: Which practice structure most often enhances retention and transfer of skills?
A) Blocked practice of one skill at a time
B) Random practice that interleaves different skills
C) Endless repetition without variation
D) Only mental rehearsal without physical practice
Correct answer: B) Random practice that interleaves different skills
Explanation: Interleaving increases contextual interference, which strengthens learning.

 

Short answer: Explain how self-compassion can aid performance after errors.
Correct answer: Self-compassion reduces harsh self-criticism, allowing quicker emotional recovery and refocusing on task cues.
Explanation: Kindness and perspective prevent rumination that disrupts attention.

 

Fill in: The belief that effort is diagnostic of low ability is a __________ belief.
Correct answer: fixed mindset
Explanation: Fixed mindset equates effort with lack of talent, undermining persistence.

 

True or False: Pre-competition caffeine always improves performance for everyone.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Responses vary by dose, timing, sensitivity, and task.

 

Multiple choice: Which measurement principle is essential when choosing a psychological questionnaire?
A) It should be short, regardless of quality
B) It should have evidence of reliability and validity for the target group
C) It should be free to use
D) It should have the most items possible
Correct answer: B) It should have evidence of reliability and validity for the target group
Explanation: Reliable and valid tools provide trustworthy scores.

 

Short answer: Describe one advantage of using brief reflective prompts in training journals.
Correct answer: Brief prompts increase adherence and help athletes connect daily actions to goals without excessive burden.
Explanation: Simplicity supports consistent use.

 

Fill in: When athletes intentionally direct attention to the feel and timing of a movement in practice, they are using physical __________.
Correct answer: awareness
Explanation: Awareness training links sensations to performance cues.

 

True or False: Modeling by a skilled teammate cannot influence confidence.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Seeing similar others succeed increases self-efficacy through vicarious experience.

 

Multiple choice: Which form of reinforcement best builds a new habit like daily imagery?
A) Only long-term rewards
B) Frequent immediate reinforcement paired with cues and tracking
C) Punishment for missed days
D) No reinforcement at all
Correct answer: B) Frequent immediate reinforcement paired with cues and tracking
Explanation: Immediate rewards and cues help establish habitual routines.

 

Short answer: Explain what an implementation intention is in the context of mental skills.
Correct answer: An implementation intention is a specific “if–then” plan that links a situation to a response, such as “If I feel rushed before a serve, then I will take one breath and focus on my target.”
Explanation: Preplanned links automate helpful actions.

 

Fill in: The tendency for attention to be captured by errors or threats is called attentional __________.
Correct answer: bias
Explanation: Bias toward threat can disrupt task focus if unmanaged.

 

True or False: Gratitude practices are irrelevant to athletic performance.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Gratitude can broaden perspective and improve mood, which supports resilience and relationships.

 

Multiple choice: Which factor most directly supports confidence before high-stakes events?
A) Ignoring weaknesses completely
B) Evidence-based preparation and rehearsal of coping plans
C) Last-minute changes to technique
D) Avoiding feedback
Correct answer: B) Evidence-based preparation and rehearsal of coping plans
Explanation: Confidence grounded in preparation is more stable.

 

Short answer: Describe one way to reduce decision overload during competition.
Correct answer: Use simple, preselected rules such as “if defender shades left, cut right” to streamline choices.
Explanation: Heuristics reduce cognitive load under time pressure.

 

Fill in: The emotional energy that comes from shared purpose and coordinated action is team __________.
Correct answer: momentum
Explanation: Momentum can be built by small wins and collective signals.

 

True or False: Only athletes benefit from mental skills training; coaches do not.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Coaches who practice communication, reflection, and regulation model skills and shape climate.

 

Multiple choice: Which debrief question best supports learning after a performance?
A) “Why did you fail?”
B) “What worked, what did not, and what is the next small adjustment?”
C) “Who is to blame?”
D) “Should we forget this game?”
Correct answer: B) “What worked, what did not, and what is the next small adjustment?”
Explanation: A structured, forward-focused debrief fosters learning and control.

 

Short answer: Explain the difference between arousal regulation up-skills and down-skills with one example each.
Correct answer: Up-skills raise activation, such as upbeat music and energizing self-talk; down-skills lower activation, such as slow breathing and muscle relaxation.
Explanation: Matching arousal to task demands optimizes performance.

 

Fill in: When a leader communicates high expectations paired with support and resources, it is the __________ effect.
Correct answer: Pygmalion
Explanation: Positive expectations can enhance motivation and performance.

 

True or False: Confidence cannot be trained; it is fixed at an early age.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Confidence grows through mastery, feedback, modeling, and preparation.

 

Multiple choice: Which aspect of the environment most strongly creates a mastery-involving climate?
A) Public ranking boards after every drill
B) Private, process-focused feedback and recognition of effort and improvement
C) Punishment for mistakes
D) Constant comparison of athletes
Correct answer: B) Private, process-focused feedback and recognition of effort and improvement
Explanation: Emphasis on learning and effort promotes adaptive motivation.

 

Short answer: Describe one indicator that a team may need a norms reset.
Correct answer: Frequent lateness, side conversations during meetings, and inconsistent effort signal unclear or unhelpful norms that require attention.
Explanation: Patterns reveal what is tolerated.

 

Fill in: The short, repeatable phrase used to anchor focus on a key action is a performance __________.
Correct answer: cue
Explanation: Cues simplify attention under pressure.

 

True or False: Only negative emotions fuel high effort in competition.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Positive emotions such as determination and enthusiasm also drive high effort and broaden attention.

 

Multiple choice: Which practice design most reduces choking risk for a well-learned closed skill?
A) Only technique drills without time pressure
B) Simulated pressure with scoring, consequences, and routines
C) Only conditioning
D) Study of tactics without execution
Correct answer: B) Simulated pressure with scoring, consequences, and routines
Explanation: Practicing under conditions similar to competition builds coping skills.

 

Short answer: Explain why clear values help athletes make decisions under stress.
Correct answer: Values clarify what matters most, guiding choices when emotions run high and options feel confusing.
Explanation: Values-based decisions reduce regret and increase commitment.

 

Fill in: When an athlete attributes success to effort and strategy and failure to controllable factors, this is an adaptive attributional __________.
Correct answer: style
Explanation: Adaptive attributions protect confidence and motivate improvement.

 

True or False: Mental fatigue cannot influence physical performance.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Mental fatigue can reduce concentration and perceived effort capacity.

 

Multiple choice: Which pair of skills most directly supports clutch performance?
A) Overthinking and constant analysis
B) Present-moment focus and trust in trained automaticity
C) Ignoring nerves and forcing relaxation
D) Copying another athlete’s routine
Correct answer: B) Present-moment focus and trust in trained automaticity
Explanation: Letting well-practiced skills run with focused attention reduces interference.

 

Short answer: Describe one sign that an athlete may be at risk for burnout.
Correct answer: Persistent emotional exhaustion, declining enjoyment, and withdrawal from teammates despite adequate rest suggest burnout risk.
Explanation: Patterns across mood, motivation, and social behavior are warning signs.

 

Fill in: The structured, short-term plan that links daily actions to a bigger goal is a performance __________ plan.
Correct answer: action
Explanation: Action plans translate goals into immediate behaviors.

 

True or False: A single motivational speech can replace weeks of deliberate practice.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Consistent, quality practice is the primary driver of improvement.

 

Multiple choice: Which coaching behavior most consistently predicts athlete well-being?
A) Controlling language and threats
B) Autonomy-supportive communication and involvement
C) Ignoring athlete perspectives
D) Frequent public criticism
Correct answer: B) Autonomy-supportive communication and involvement
Explanation: Supporting autonomy, competence, and relatedness fosters well-being.

 

Short answer: Explain one way to integrate mental skills into physical practice rather than keeping them separate.
Correct answer: Embed a focus cue and breath in the pre-skill routine of each rep, record a quick reflection after sets, and simulate pressure in select drills.
Explanation: Integration builds automaticity under realistic conditions.

 

Fill in: When an athlete deliberately pays attention to present sensations during recovery, it is mindful __________.
Correct answer: awareness
Explanation: Awareness helps regulate stress and enhances recovery quality.

 

True or False: Team cohesion can be strengthened by shared adversity when leaders frame it as a collective challenge with clear support.
Correct answer: True.
Explanation: Framing and support turn adversity into bonding and growth.

 

Multiple choice: Which statement best characterizes effective self-talk under pressure?
A) Long, complex instructions
B) Brief, specific, controllable, and positively framed cues
C) Harsh self-criticism to increase effort
D) Random slogans unrelated to the task
Correct answer: B) Brief, specific, controllable, and positively framed cues
Explanation: Short, actionable cues guide execution and reduce interference.

 

Short answer: Describe one reason to include gratitude or compassion practices on teams.
Correct answer: These practices improve social connection and emotional regulation, which support resilience and cooperative effort during stress.
Explanation: Strong relationships buffer pressure.

 

Fill in: The shared understanding of how we do things here is team __________.
Correct answer: culture
Explanation: Culture emerges from repeated behaviors, stories, and norms.

 

True or False: Athletes should never adjust routines once they are established.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: Routines should be refined to better fit evolving needs and contexts.

 

Multiple choice: Which simple strategy most improves conversion on set plays under pressure?
A) More complex playbooks
B) Clear cue words, one breath, and one external focus target
C) Longer huddles with detailed analysis
D) Elimination of all signals
Correct answer: B) Clear cue words, one breath, and one external focus target
Explanation: Simplicity and consistent cues support execution.

 

Short answer: Explain how tiny habit design can support daily mental practice.
Correct answer: Anchor a very small version of the skill to an existing routine, celebrate completion, and scale up only after consistency is established.
Explanation: Small, easy actions reduce friction and build identity.

 

Fill in: The deliberate practice of noticing and letting go of distractions is attention __________.
Correct answer: training
Explanation: Repeated refocusing strengthens attentional control.

 

True or False: Only individual sports require mental skills; team sports do not.
Correct answer: False.
Explanation: All sports benefit from attention, regulation, communication, and cohesion skills.