Lecture 13- Mental skills training (MST)

Question 1

What is Mental Skills Training (MST)?

Answer 1

Educational sport psychology approach focused on teaching practical mental skills to “normal” athletes (and coaches) performing in abnormal (high-pressure) situations.

Question 2

Why do athletes need MST?

Answer 2

Because normal people perform in abnormal situations, which requires “super-normal” physical & mental skills.

Question 3

What does MST stand for?

Answer 3

Mental Skills Training.

Question 4

What are the objectives of MST? (3 main ones)

Answer 4

1️⃣ Help athletes perform to the best of their ability (performance enhancement).
2️⃣ Help athletes ENJOY sport (increase performance, decrease stress, more fun).
3️⃣ Develop mental skills as LIFE skills.

Question 5

What life skills are developed through MST?

Answer 5

Stress management

Coping skills

Motivation & goal setting

Attention-concentration & focus

Personal growth & development

Question 6

What are the psychological characteristics of Peak Performance?

Answer 6

• Determination & commitment
• High self-confidence
• Self-regulation of arousal (energised yet relaxed; no fear)
• Full concentration (appropriately focused)
• In control but not forcing it
• Positive preoccupation with sport (imagery & thoughts)

Question 7

What mental skills/methods do athletes use for Peak Performance?

Answer 7

• Imagery
• Goal setting
• Thought control strategies
• Arousal management techniques
• Pre-event mental prep (“psych-up” without psyching out)
• Well-developed competition/game/race plans
• Coping plans

Question 8

What is the key mindset for Peak Performance?

Answer 8

“Comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Question 9

What is the difference between MST Skills and MST Methods?

Answer 9

Skills = qualities/abilities to be developed (product).

Methods = procedures/techniques to develop those skills (process).

Question 10

What are the Foundation MST Skills?

Answer 10

Self-confidence

Motivation

Commitment

Question 11

What are the Performance MST Skills?

Answer 11

Optimal physical arousal (activation)

Optimal mental arousal (activation)

Optimal attention/concentration

Question 12

What are Facilitative MST Skills?

Answer 12

Interpersonal skills (e.g. communication)

Team-building

Psychological rehab from injury

Question 13

What are common MST Methods?

Answer 13

• Goal setting
• Mental preparation (pre-game)
• Imagery (visualisation)
• Relaxation (centering)
• Self-talk (thought control)

Question 14

What is an MST Programme?

Answer 14

An individually designed combination of methods selected to match the athlete’s skill needs.
→ There is NO “set” MST programme.
→ Requires a Needs/Skills Assessment first.

Question 15

What are the key areas to assess in MST Skill Needs?

Answer 15

1️⃣ SPORT:

• Physical intensity & duration
• Team vs individual sport
• Basic skills / tasks within sport

2️⃣ TEAM/SQUAD:

• Size
• Coactive vs interactive
• Coaches
• Manager/administration
• Leaders/captains

3️⃣ INDIVIDUAL:

• Observation
• Interviews/discussion
• Peak Performance Profile
• Competition reflection forms

Question 16

How many MST skills should an athlete work on at once?

Answer 16

Focus on ONE skill at a time — don’t try to develop all three types at once!