Sport Psychology & Culture

Motivation

Athletes who are motivated and driven will accomplish great things. To perform at your best, you need to be motivated to achieve your goals, and complete the necessary steps to get there. A common motivational technique used across many sports involves goal setting (4). Goals provide direction for the athlete, as well as increase persistence and develop learning strategies (4). In order for goals to have an impact on performance however, the athletes need to set both short and long term goals, that are achievable (4).

The SMARTER goals strategy can ensure that the goals set are going to be effective, and keep the athletes accountable (5).

Specific

Meaningful

Agreed

Relevant

Time-specific

Engaging

Recorded

Concentration and Situational Awareness

In hockey, athletes must be able to focus themselves before a match, remain focused, and refocus during the match (1). The athletes must always be switched on and aware of what is happening around them. This situational awareness requires relevant cues to be identified and anticipated constantly (1). Anticipation involves being able to judge what their opponent is going to do next, and doing this in the smallest time frame possible to be able to react and make an effective decision (1). Subsequently, decision making requires the athlete to handle pressure and be adaptable to what their opposition is doing (1). Goal keepers are generally more anxious than other field hockey players, as there is more pressure on their performance and decision making (6).

In order to handle the pressure of those situations, it is important to simulate the pressure during training sessions, so that the athlete can gain confidence in their skills. Strategies for focusing attention and building confidence will be discussed later on in this learning concept, and are also be useful for enhancing situational awareness of field hockey players. 

The video below explains some tips for improving decision making: