Webexcellence in mental skills education: A framework for designing quality web‐based mental skills education environments

This article provides a framework that describes the aspects involved in designing quality web-based mental skills education (MSE) environments. The framework is grounded in the literature of web-based learning and sport psychology theory and practice. The core of the framework is the web-based educational environment. In order for web-based MSE to be effective, it should involve the athletes in environments that promote active learning. The following five characteristics of quality web-based MSE environments are outlined and discussed: (a) self-directing, (b) meaningful, (c) accommodating, (d) reflective, and (e) social. Careful consideration is also given to four elements suggested to facilitate the creation of a quality web-based MSE environment: (a) quality resources, (b) quality consulting approaches, (c) quality use of technology, and (d) quality service. This framework may provide some direction for mental skills educators beginning to explore web-based MSE and for researchers wanting to study the effectiveness of the web as a means for MSE.