Physical Education · Ch 9 — Psychology and Sports
Psychological Attributes in Sports
Psychological Attributes in Sports
Psychological Attributes in Sports
Sports scientists around the world have long studied the unique psychological attributes of successful athletes and elite sportspersons, trying to understand the factors that let athletes perform at their best and reach an optimal level of performance across a career. In sport psychology, a great deal of attention is given to exploring these attributes with the aim of guiding athlete talent and development.
It is widely accepted that psychological attributes play an important role in athletes' lives and can influence their performance, behaviour and psychological well-being. A psychological attribute is a mental quality that shapes how an athlete thinks, feels and behaves in competition — it is not visible like muscle strength or running speed, yet it is just as real and just as trainable.
Two athletes with identical physical ability can perform very differently under pressure. One thrives in a high-stakes final; the other freezes and underperforms. The difference lies not in the body but in the mind — in these psychological attributes, which can be developed through deliberate practice just like any physical skill.
These attributes are seen as essential for performance effectiveness and athlete development, helping athletes to perform, understand and manage the training and competition environment. From the several attributes considered essential, the CBSE Class 12 Physical Education syllabus discusses four in detail:
- Self-Esteem (9.5.1)
- Mental Imagery (9.5.2)
- Self-Talk (9.5.3) …