ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the ways sport psychologists typically help athletes with performance enhancement. It identifies typical psychological characteristics associated with sport performance and examines common strategies used to build psychological characteristics. The chapter describes what psychological skills training typically involves, and offers points for identifying the types of psychologists likely to help athletes effectively. Many times additional specialised knowledge and skills are needed, such as when working with athletes experiencing eating disorders or substance abuse. It is beneficial for athletes to have several relaxation and coping strategies at their disposal, because they suit different situations. Although many explanations for imagerys effectiveness exist, in recent years the functional equivalence hypothesis has gained acceptance in sport psychology. The hypothesis proposes that imagery shares similar neural features with physical motor task preparation and execution. In addition to the other uses identified, imagery and self-talk can help athletes control their stress, anxiety and arousal levels.
