ABSTRACT
Athletes are required to execute a vast arsenal of sport tasks in both practice and competitive settings. They have to practice these tasks repeatedly in order to achieve a high level of proficiency in their given sport. This chapter focuses on the psychological preparation needed to achieve success in the performance of closed tasks in sport. It provides a framework for the definition and conceptualization of a PPR used in closed self-paced tasks in sport. The chapter reviews a number of studies examining the effectiveness of PPRs and provide a theoretical basis for their use. It demonstrates the use of three psychological techniques – attentional instruction, quiet eye. The chapter provides a number of practical implications for practitioners – coaches and sport psychology consultants – on how to integrate these routines in their applied work with athletes.
