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HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 370 MC

A swimmer has lost motivation midway through a long pre-season. She says training feels repetitive and she cannot tell whether she is improving.

Which psychological strategy would best address this problem?

  1. Relaxation techniques to reduce stress during training sessions
  2. Setting short-term goals that build towards her season target
  3. Concentration skills to maintain focus throughout each session
  4. Visualising herself winning her first race of the season
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: Short-term goals give the swimmer clear, measurable targets to work towards and let her see her progress. This rebuilds motivation and gives each training block a purpose.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Relaxation techniques manage stress and anxiety, but the swimmer’s problem is a lack of motivation and direction, not over-arousal.
  • C is incorrect: Concentration skills direct attention during performance, but they do not give her a way to measure progress or a reason to keep training.
  • D is incorrect: Visualisation can boost motivation, but picturing a future win does not solve the problem she has right now of not knowing whether she is improving.