Athlete Development Flashcards

Which type of goal is most useful for building long-term motivation in young gymnasts?

Answer: Process and performance goals that the athlete can control

Process and performance goals focus on controllable factors and support intrinsic motivation.

A motivational climate emphasizing personal improvement and effort rather than comparison with others is called:

Answer: Mastery (task-oriented) climate

A mastery climate defines success by effort and improvement, which supports enjoyment and persistence.

Which coaching behavior is most likely to contribute to athlete burnout?

Answer: Excessive training load combined with high pressure and little athlete autonomy

High load, pressure and lack of control are well-documented burnout risk factors.

In periodization, the phase that develops general physical qualities and a large training base is usually the:

Answer: General preparation phase

General preparation builds broad fitness and work capacity before more specific training.

What is the primary purpose of a taper before a major competition?

Answer: Reduce training volume to reduce fatigue while maintaining intensity

A taper lowers volume to dissipate fatigue while preserving fitness and sharpness.

Safeguarding guidelines recommend that coaches working with minors:

Answer: Avoid one-on-one unobserved situations and keep communication transparent

Observable and interruptible interactions protect athletes and coaches alike.

Which feedback approach is most effective when teaching a new skill to a young gymnast?

Answer: Short, specific cues focusing on one or two key points

Children process limited information at once, so concise, focused cues improve learning.