Athlete Development & Well-being Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Athlete Development & Well-being flashcards as text
PCA emphasizes that 'scoreboard watching' can harm athlete well-being. What alternative focus does PCA recommend during competition?
Answer: Concentrating on executing the next play or action within the athlete's control
PCA teaches athletes to focus on controllable process cues—like footwork, effort, and communication—rather than the scoreboard, which reduces anxiety and improves performance.
How should a PCA-aligned coach address early sports specialization concerns for a youth athlete?
Answer: Support multi-sport participation to foster varied physical literacy and reduce burnout risk
PCA and sports science research both support multi-sport participation at youth levels to build broader movement skills, reduce overuse injuries, and sustain enjoyment.
Which of the following coaching statements best reflects PCA's approach to athlete well-being after a poor individual performance?
Answer: 'I saw you battle hard out there—let's talk about what we can build on for next time.'
PCA's approach validates effort, preserves the athlete's dignity, and frames the conversation around growth rather than shame or punishment.
What does PCA mean by a 'teachable moment' in the context of athlete development?
Answer: A real-time situation during or after practice that naturally opens an opportunity for learning
Teachable moments are authentic situations—a mistake, a conflict, a big win—that coaches leverage to reinforce life lessons and athletic principles in context.
According to PCA, what is a key sign that an athlete's sport experience is contributing positively to their overall well-being?
Answer: The athlete voluntarily discusses sport challenges and shares enthusiasm outside of practice
Enthusiastic, voluntary engagement with sport outside of formal practice is a strong indicator that the athlete has intrinsic motivation and a healthy relationship with their sport.
PCA teaches that 'competing' and 'contesting' are different. Which description best captures PCA's preferred mindset?
Answer: Contesting focuses on defeating opponents; competing focuses on executing personal best
PCA draws on etymology—'compete' means 'strive together'—to shift focus from dominating an opponent to bringing out one's own best performance.
A high school athlete tells their PCA-trained coach they are feeling burned out and want to quit. Which response best aligns with PCA values?
Answer: Listen empathetically, explore the underlying causes, and collaboratively discuss next steps including a potential break
PCA prioritizes athlete well-being and long-term love of sport, so coaches should listen first, explore burnout causes, and co-create solutions including rest if needed.