Arousal and Mental Preparation

Question 1

What is arousal?

Answer 1

Arousal is a physical and mental (physiological and psychological) state of alertness or excitement. It can vary from deep sleep (low arousal) to intense excitement (high arousal).

Question 2

How can arousal physically affect a performance?

Answer 2

> Increasing heart rate

>Causing a performer to sweat more

Question 3

What does the Inverted U Theory demonstrate?

Answer 3

As arousal increases, performance also increases up to an optimal level. If arousal continues to increase past the optimal level, performance will begin to decrease.

Question 4

What are some techniques for controlling arousal?

Answer 4

• Mental rehearsal, visualisation or imagery (mental/cognitive)
• Positive self talk (mental/cognitive)
• Selective attention (mental/cognitive)
• Deep breathing (physical/somatic)

Question 5

What scenarios can performers use mental rehearsal to control arousal?

Answer 5

• Before taking a conversion in rugby.
• Before throwing a javelin.
• Before taking a penalty in football.

Question 6

Why do performers use positive self talk?

Answer 6

Performers use this technique to reassure themselves of their ability, tell themselves of their ability, tell themselves they are doing well and build their confidence in a particular skill.

Question 7

What situation is positive self talk used in?

Answer 7

• A golfer would use this technique to reassure themselves that they will make a difficult put.
• A basketball player would motivate himself when taking a free throw under pressure.