Structure and surface – contextualising aesthetic form in the sport psychology process

Abstract

This article illustrates an insider’s perspective on the actions of the sports
psychologist by reflecting on their work with a number of elite performers at Olympic, World and European championship levels. The aim is to reveal a perspective on the structural aesthetic of the actions of the sports psychologist. The research is supported by images from a range of competitions and reflections upon the sports psychologist’s “input” before and after competition. The first author has found himself experimenting with different ways of giving advice and providing support as
the events have progressed. That is, patterns of advice have been emerging regarding the types of advice given, which were sometimes specific to the psychological characteristics of the performer. The article reports on the differing frameworks of
professional advice with examples from a range of sports using images and examples as appropriate.