Ben Rowse & Ben Nowlan : last updated Mon 20/09/2004
PCP Knowledge Base : Guidance
This page is dedicated to providing information and understanding about specific terms used throughout the website, as well as further guidance for how to use the PCP and the imporvement techniques in each section.
2003 NSW State of Origin Team : successful as a cohesive team despite perceptions from players and media about their coach, Phil Gould
This page includes information regarding definitions for:

- intrinsic traits
- situational traits
- interactional traits

- motivation
- stress
- arousal
- concentration
- cohesion
- skill development
- feedback

As well as further information regarding why we assess and how we organised each section, and guidance on how to use the PCP and its associated improvement techniques.		 Why do we assess characteristics in the PCP and don't include others?    Before we began creating the PCP Questionnaire, we carried out extensive research from other scholars in the field of coach behaviour and player perceptions, as well as the implications. The aspects listed on the left were most commonly referred to as keys for success.
   There are however, many other aspects that contribute to the success or failure of a team, some that are purely circumstantial, others are more universal. We encourage users of the PCP to find means and methods from reliable sources, and employ their strategies and exercises in aim to better your team and your skills as a coach.

How will you know if you are employing the techniques for improvement correctly?
   This is a tough one, but it really boils down to your ability as a coach to read your players. An effective coach knows their players symptoms, good or bad. Ultimately, you should be able to observe improvement in the weak areas if that's what you focused on. Or you can get your players to take the PCP again and observe changes over time.
    If you are still having trouble, employ a wholistic approach. Train the team as you normally would, incorporate the relevant strategies and maintain a focus on the 4 C's:
Concentration: ability to maintain focus
Confidence: believe in one's abilities
Control: ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction
Commitment: ability to continue working to agreed goals

Is there any other advice you can offer me before I begin a mental skills training program?
   There is no one set answer for this question, its really up to your discretion as a coach. However, below are a few more websites with interesting reading with respect to coaching behaviour and implications on player development, courtesy of Brain MacKenzie:
Definitions Page
PCP Guidance Page
Back to homepage
Coaching styles, skills, roles and Responsibilities
Coaching methods: Practice and Instruction
Profiling young Athletes
Mental Models: Psychological Distinctions
Group Dynamics
Remember, success of the techniques in various sections is up the effort feel you have for you players and team. Improvements may occur in the short-term, but may not be sustainable. So, you can't stop working on something just because it improved from an earlier date. If an early improvement does not become apparent, understand that this is normal. Pscyhological exercises have, and never will be 'quick fix'. So patience and persistence is required.
If all else fails, make sure you and your players are having fun !!!
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