Sports Psychology Unit Plan

Day 1: Introduction: We often hear about sporting success being attributed to a performer’s mental state or the way that a team functions? In modern day sport, success is the result of several variables. These include physical preparation, appropriate strategies or tactics, nutritional plans, self control and mental strength. Sports performers are doing anything to gain that extra edge to help them achieve success and as a result the application of psychology in sport is becoming increasingly prevalent.This unit develops learners’ knowledge of sport psychology and how psychological techniques can be applied to influence the performance of individuals and teams. Initially, learners will look at personality, which is seen as the basis for behavior, and how this is a key factor in choosing sport and subsequent level of achievement. A second major factor in successful sports performance is the motivation of the individual and how this can be developed and influenced. 

Day 2: Personality and Motivation: This lesson will define personality and motivation as it serve in sports. It will also talk about different theories (Marten’s schematic view, psycho-dynamic theory, trait theory, situational approach, interaction approach); types (type A and type B); effects on sports performance (athletes versus non athletes, individual versus team sports, elite versus non-elite athletes, type A versus type B). Motivation will also be an important part of this lesson. We will talk about different types (intrinsic and extrinsic) and theories as well as the effects on sports performance (positive, negative, future expectations of success and failure). 

Day 3: Stress and Anxiety in Sports: In this lesson, students will learn about the effects of stress and anxiety in sports. They will learn about he different types of stress and anxiety as well as the causes (internal, external, personal, occupational, sports environments). We will also discuss the effects on sports performance (nervous system responses, negative mental state, loss of self-confidence and concentration). Since anxiety can be directly associated with stress, we will also focus n the effects it has on performance, such as loss of self-confidence. 

Day 4: Social Psychology of Sports: Sports are a vital part to our society. In this lesson students will learn about the group processes of sports such as Steiner’s model of group effectiveness and the Ringelmann effect. Students will have the opportunity to debate whether they believe sports are an important part of learning how to work well in groups. There will be two sides: one would be for childhood sports and one would be against it. Each group will weigh the pros and cons of being on sports teams as a child and attempt a debate at the end of class. 

Day 5: A Day in the Life of a Sports Psychologist: At the end of this unit, students will research what it is to be a sports psychologist and present their findings as a group to the class. They will use what they have learned in this unit to apply to their skit or visual. They must present some visual aid such as a skit or video of their project. They should do this project as if they were a sports psychologist.

Assessments: The students will be assessed based on their daily course work including the debate as well as their final project consisting of a skit or video of "A Day in the Life of a Sports Psychologist"