AAU Sports Psychology & Mental Performance 3

Question 1

Which mental performance strategy involves an athlete rehearsing a consistent sequence of thoughts and actions before executing a skill?

Accepted Answer

Pre-performance routine

Answer

A pre-performance routine is a structured sequence of physical and mental cues that prime the athlete for optimal execution of a skill.

Question 2

Cohesion in a team sport refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency of a group to stay united toward a goal

Answer

Team cohesion is the dynamic process by which a group remains bonded in pursuit of shared objectives and interpersonal connections.

Question 3

An AAU coach helping an athlete develop 'mental toughness' would most appropriately focus on:

Accepted Answer

Building resilience and the ability to perform consistently under pressure

Answer

Mental toughness is characterized by the ability to maintain focus, confidence, and performance quality even under significant pressure or adversity.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a 'thought-stopping' technique in sport psychology?

Accepted Answer

Interrupt and replace negative thought patterns

Answer

Thought-stopping is a cognitive technique where the athlete consciously interrupts a negative thought and replaces it with a positive or neutral alternative.

Question 5

According to Self-Determination Theory, which psychological need is most directly satisfied when an athlete feels their input is valued by the coaching staff?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy — the need to feel volitional and self-directed — is satisfied when athletes have meaningful input and ownership in their training.

AAU - Amateur Athletic Union Certification Practice Test

AAU - Amateur Athletic Union Certification Practice Test

AAU Sports Psychology & Mental Performance 3