FIG Psychology and Mental Conditioning 2

Question 1

The 'flow state' described by Csikszentmihalyi is best characterized in gymnastics as:

Accepted Answer

Total absorption in performance with effortless focus and optimal execution

Answer

Flow is a peak psychological state in which athletes experience total absorption, loss of self-consciousness, and seemingly effortless yet optimal performance.

Question 2

When a gymnast suddenly cannot perform a previously mastered skill (such as the 'twisties') due to a mental block, a coach should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Investigate contributing psychological factors and reduce performance pressure

Answer

Mental blocks like the twisties require a psychologically safe, pressure-reduced approach; forced repetition under high stress typically worsens the block.

Question 3

Intrinsic motivation in gymnastics athletes is primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

Personal enjoyment, mastery, and internal satisfaction

Answer

Intrinsic motivation arises from within — the athlete is driven by love of the sport, curiosity, and the satisfaction of developing mastery rather than external rewards.

Question 4

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is used in gymnastics coaching primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Systematically reduce physical tension and anxiety by alternately tensing and releasing muscle groups

Answer

PMR works by helping athletes recognize and release muscular tension through a systematic tense-and-release sequence, reducing somatic anxiety before performance.

Question 5

Choking under pressure in gymnastics is primarily associated with:

Accepted Answer

Excessive self-consciousness and disrupted attentional focus on automated skills

Answer

Choking occurs when pressure triggers over-monitoring of automated skills, breaking down the fluid execution that normally operates below conscious awareness.

FIG - International Gymnastics Federation Coach Certification Practice Test

FIG - International Gymnastics Federation Coach Certification Practice Test

FIG Psychology and Mental Conditioning 2