Arousal and performance
-
Upload
trieducation -
Category
Health & Medicine
-
view
875 -
download
3
Transcript of Arousal and performance
PE UNIT 4 AOS 2
Control: Arousal and Performance
Arousal
The amount of readiness or activation a person experiences when faced with a task
The inverted-U graph shows the relationship between arousal and performance and also the area of optimum performance.
Optimum Arousal
Individual to the athlete in question, the ‘inverted U’ and ‘optimum zone’ will chance shape and area depending on the athlete in question.
Athletes need to take responsibility in controlling their arousal levels to ensure they maintain the optimum level of arousal to maintain a high level of performance.
Drive Theory
According to drive theory, if an athlete is appropriately skilled then it will help them to perform well if their drive to compete is aroused (i.e. they are ‘psyched-up’).
Arousal Reduction Techniques
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)Breath ControlBiofeedbackStress-inoculation training
Essendon VS St.Kilda, Rd 20, 2009
Last 5 minutesNick Riewoldt
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
Popular muscle relaxation technique among athletes
Progressively tensing and relaxing major muscle groups
Method example on p.315.Lets try itYou will need to be in savasna (lying on your
back on the floor with your eyes closed)
Breath Control
Helps an athlete relax and refocus while preparing for the next action or part of the match
It helps athletes ‘block out’ distractions, providing a mental break for the activity
Biofeedback
Physically based technique used to modify physiological or autonomous body functions during training (which can be carried over into competition)
Electronic instruments are used to measure (and provide feedback on) heart rate, skin/body temperature, muscle tension, blood pressure
These measuring devises give direct readings or provide a sound relative to the intensity of the stimulus.
Biofeedback
Baseball pitcherRifle shooter
Stress-inoculation training (SIT)
Like when you are inoculated against the measles, stress-inoculation exposed the athlete small levels to help them adapt
Coping to the stresses comes in the form of developing Positive thoughts Mental Images Self-confidence statements
Arousal Promotion Techniques
Elevated BreathingAct EnergeticPositive talk and sounds (“talk it up”)Energising imageryPre-competition workout
Elevated breathing
Similarly to breathing as an arousal reduction technique (slow deep breathing), short sharp breaths can activate the CNS to increase a state of awareness
Eg: Tennis players after losing a few games in a row
Act energetic
At the beginning or during a game, an athlete may feel lethargic or tired.
Physically pumping, slapping or hitting each other can help pump each other up; therefore increasing arousal levels
Positive self talk
Emotive words like ‘tough, aggressive, hard hitting, aggressive, dependable etc’ increase arousal levels.
Coaches will tend to use these words when addressing the team
Players can use these words to pump themselves up.
Music can also play a large role in increasing/maintaining arousal levels
EG: Pole-vaulters / high jumpers
Energising imagery
Involves visualising something that is uplifting to the athlete
EG: Swimmers moving sleekly through the water like a dolphin
EG: Baseballer’s literally hitting the skin off the ball and hitting it for a home run
Pre-competition Workout
Generally takes place about 2-hours before the match
Allows the athlete/team to become accustom to the field/environment
They then do their warm-up and practice any psychological skills in front of the crowd