The three roles of a Sport Psychologist Prepare – Prevent – Repair
Introduction
The role of a sport psychologist extends far beyond teaching mental skills. While goal setting, visualization, and self-talk are essential, these tools fit within a broader framework. Sport psychologists operate in three critical roles: Prepare, Prevent, and Repair. Understanding these roles ensures athletes and teams receive comprehensive support for both performance and well-being.
Role 1: prepare
Preparation is more than physical training; it is the mental scaffolding that supports peak performance. A prepared athlete enters competition with focus, confidence, and resilience. It helps build mental readiness.
Key activities :
- Mental skills training (visualization, self-talk, concentration)
- Goal setting and action planning
- Pre-competition routines and arousal management
Example: a sprinter visualizes the start, the acceleration phase, and the finish line before a race. This mental rehearsal enhances confidence and reduces anxiety.
Impact
Preparation reduces the likelihood of performance errors, ensures athletes respond effectively under pressure, and provides measurable psychological readiness.
Role 2: Prevent
Prevention involves identifying and addressing potential obstacles before they affect performance. This includes burnout, stress, conflict, or negative team dynamics. It helps minimize risks and challenges.
Preventive strategies
- Monitor athlete workload and stress levels
- Educate athletes on coping strategies
- Facilitate healthy team communication
- Promote ethical behavior and adherence to codes of conduct
Example: a basketball team may experience conflict between players and coaches. By providing conflict resolution workshops, the sport psychologist prevents deterioration of team cohesion and morale.
Impact
Preventive interventions safeguard the athlete’s mental and physical health, ensure consistency in performance, and reduce the risk of career-threatening psychological challenges.
Role 3: repair – Recovery from Setbacks
Even with preparation and prevention, setbacks happen. Injury, defeat, or personal issues can affect athletes deeply. Repair involves helping athletes recover and return stronger.
Repair strategies:
- Emotional processing and resilience-building
- Goal adjustment after injury or performance setbacks
- Reintegration into training after psychological or physical disruption
Example: an elite swimmer missing qualification times may experience disappointment and anxiety. Targeted mental skills coaching helps reframe the experience, rebuild confidence, and create a plan for recovery.
Impact
Repair restores athlete’s confidence, strengthens resilience, and prevents long-term psychological issues. Athletes learn not only to recover but to grow from challenges.
Integrating the three roles
Effective sport psychology requires a dynamic balance of prepare, prevent, and repair. These roles are interconnected:
- Prepare provides the mental tools.
- Prevention protects against potential setbacks.
- Repair restores functioning when setbacks occur.
Example in practice: a national football team preparing for a continental championship may:
- Prepare: mental imagery and focus exercises pre-tournament.
- Prevent: stress and conflict management workshops mid-season.
- Repair: post-tournament reflection and resilience-building sessions.
Long-term benefits
- Athletes gain a holistic skill set that enhances performance and well-being.
- Teams maintain sustainable success by reducing stress and conflict.
- Federations and clubs benefit from improved retention and athlete satisfaction.
With these three roles, sport psychologists become essential partners in the athlete’s long-term journey, not just temporary consultants.
Conclusion
Sport psychology is far more than techniques or quick fixes. The Prepare – Prevent – Repair framework provides a clear roadmap for supporting athletes before, during, and after challenges. When implemented consistently, this approach empowers athletes to perform optimally, recover efficiently, and maintain mental resilience throughout their careers. Sport psychologists, therefore, play a vital role in both performance and personal development, making them indispensable in modern sport.
By Dr. Cheikh SARR.