Module Directory

This module will explore the development and application of mental models within different sports. By understanding the structure and rules which define how a sport is played, students will explore the performance problems faced and how to approach developing a mental model for sports performance. This will include exploring the coaching and interdisciplinary practices required to inform and evaluate tactics and strategies for sports performance. Further, by building on the knowledge and understanding gained from previous modules (e.g., SE140, SE244), students will explore how they can adapt their mental models according to the athlete(s) they are supporting.

The aim of this module is:

• To provide students with a critical understanding of how to develop mental models within sport, by sporting tactics and strategies for sport performance and the interdisciplinary processes which facilitate their design, delivery and review.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the internal logic of different sport types, and how this informs the development of mental models for sports performance.


2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how to adapt mental models for sports performance according to the population and context.


3. Design, deliver and review evidence-based approaches to informing mental models tactics and strategies for sport performance.


4. Demonstrate advanced written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and information relating to mental models to a range of audiences.


5. Critically evaluate coaching practices relating to tactics and strategies for sport performance through reflective and problem-solving skills.

Indicative syllabus information:

• Understanding the internal logic of sport types


• Conducting a critical needs analysis


• Developing mental models for different sports


• Interdisciplinary approaches for informing and implementing mental models


• Delivering and evaluating coaching practices relating to tactics and strategies


• Wider considerations for mental models for sport performance


• Critical reflection on knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the design, delivery and review of mental models for sport performance

This module will be delivered via:

• Lectures (18hrs: 9 x 2hrs)
• Seminars (12hrs: 6 x 2hrs)
• Practical sessions (10hrs: 5 x 2hrs)
• IT-lab practical sessions (10hrs: 5 x 2hrs)
• Drop-in voluntary support sessions (4hrs: 4 x 2hrs)

This module will be delivered in-person only, and will include a mixture of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions (field-based and IT-lab), as well as voluntary support classes. More specifically, the module will include two-three teaching hours per week across the Autumn and Spring term.

During field-based practical sessions, students are expected to participate in physical activity to facilitate important learning opportunities for themselves and their peers. However, there are alternative opportunities for students to actively participate within these practical sessions if they are unable to do so (e.g., due to health or medical conditions).

Students are expected to undertake weekly reading, actively engage within taught sessions (e.g., contribute to in-class tasks), and undertake weekly independent study tasks to consolidate learning in taught sessions, and set tasks during independent study weeks.