Sports Psychology
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Course Overview
Sports psychology is the study of psychological factors that influence athletic performance.
The Sports Psychology short course explores cognitive processes related to sports performance to help you gain a better understanding of how thought processes can affect an athlete’s behaviour.
Explore the roles that emotions, motivation, self-confidence, self-talk, emotional control and concentration play in sports performance.
Learn how thought processes can affect an athlete’s behaviour and build skills that will enable you to profile athletes and understand the drivers behind sports performance.
FAQs
What are the entry requirements?
Anyone 18 years of age or older can sign up for this short course. There are no academic entry requirements or conditions.
Who is this short course for?
This short course is for anyone interested in how cognitive processes are related to sports performance.
What is the time commitment?
A total of 50 hours is required to complete the short course.
What do you need to do the short course?
- Access to Microsoft Word
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Stable internet connection
Is the short course accredited?
The short course is not accredited and non-credit bearing.
What is sports psychology?
Sports psychology explores how physical activity and mental well-being intersect and affect the psychological and physical well-being of athletes. Read more here.
Course highlights
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Understand drivers behind sports performance and profile athletes.
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Learn how emotions can affect an athlete's behaviour.
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Apply psychological theory and research within the context of the sport.
Dates and Registration
- Class of 2025 Oct-Dec: 1 October – 31 December
- Class of 2026 Jan-Mar: 1 January – 31 March
- Class of 2026 Apr-Jun: 1 April – 30 June
Short course classes are on demand allowing you to register at any time and move through course content at a time that suits you. Learners will have access to the course for the class period they choose when registering.
Learner Experience
Bradley Bloem
Nevan Moodley
Khensani Masisi
Itumeleng Moraladi
Paige Thomas
Aphiwe Nkala
Wesley Kidgell
Annabelle Robin
Jacqueline Steinschaden
Herschelle Howley
Jon Routhan
Mmapai Brenda Ramagale
Jadon Wessels
Taylin Blues
Kamishta Dukhi
Juliet Bardin
Patrick van Heerden
Anique Broskie
Franco Flach
Nicole Hayes
Go-Molemo Moloabi
Grant Strong
Ferial De Jongh
Certification
Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. This certificate verifies your newfound knowledge and skills.
The Sports Psychology short course has been designed and developed by experts in the field of psychology. The course is for anyone needing to upskill in this area and offers +/- 50 hours of learning.
What You’ll Learn
Through course videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:
Thought Processes and Self-talk
- Learn about cognitive processes related to sports performance, how thought processes can affect an athlete’s behaviour and how constructive self-talk can positively influence an athlete’s performance.
- Gain an understanding of the theoretical principles behind thought and behaviour.
Motivation in Sport
- Explore theories of motivation, its subtypes and the role motivation can play in enhancing sports performance.
- Explore the differences between arousal, stress, and anxiety, specifically focusing on how to understand and manage these to improve performance.
Emotional Management in Spor
- Learn about the role emotions play in sports performance and how emotional intelligence can enhance an athlete’s performance.
- Gain an understanding of emotional control and how athletes can develop their EQ.
Self-Confidence in Sport
Learn about the role of self-confidence in sporting performance and how self-confidence can be maintained and enhanced to improve performance.
Concentration and Focus
- Explore the role and impact of focus and concentration in sports.
- Gain an understanding of the different levels of paying attention and learn how to enhance an athlete’s focus in sport.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this short course you will be able to:
- Explain the role of thought and develop constructive self-talk.
- Define theoretical principles and subtypes of motivation.
- Describe how arousal, stress and anxiety affect sports performance.
- Understand the importance of emotional control in sports performance.
- Apply your understanding of self-confidence to develop confidence in athletes.
- Describe the difference between focus and concentration and enhance attention in sports performance.
The Team
The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Take the Course
Sports Psychology or R487.5 x 4 via PayFlex.
Structure
On-demand
Start Date
1 October 2025End Date
31 December 2025
Duration
50 hours
Total Hours
50 hours
Mode
Self-paced learning-
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