Arousal (Hanin's zone and peak flow)

Question 1

What did Hanin do?

Answer 1

Studied the inverted-U theory and made adaptations to it

Question 2

What did Hanin’s adaptations to the inverted-U theory suggest?

Answer 2

Increases in arousal can improve performance
Optimal level of arousal does vary for individual players from high to low
BUT
Rather than a point of optimal arousal the best level in sport for maximum confidence is a zone

Question 3

What is the zone?

Answer 3

A mental state of controlled arousal and high levels of performance that autonomous performers only experience once or twice in their career

Question 4

What happens in the zone?

Answer 4

• Performing at optimal arousal levels
• Feeling completely calm
• Complete attentional control
• Performing on autopilot
• Feeling completely confident that success is evitable
• Performing smoothly, efficiently and effortlessly

Question 5

Where does optimal performance occur for shooters, marathon runners and cyclists?

Answer 5

Low ZOF

Question 6

Where does optimal performance occur for climbers and team sports players?

Answer 6

Moderate ZOF

Question 7

Where does optimal performance occur for sprinters and fighters?

Answer 7

High ZOF

Question 8

If a performer isn’t in their ZOF, what is their performance like?

Answer 8

Suboptimal performance

Question 9

Once in the zone, performance is said to improve when?

Answer 9

• You are performing at your optimum level of arousal
• Things seem to flow effortlessly
• The performer reaches a state of supreme confidence and remains calm under the upmost pressure
• The performer feels that they are in total control of their actions and totally focused on the activity

Question 10

What can being in the zone lead to?

Answer 10

Peak flow experience

Question 11

What is peak flow?

Answer 11

The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency

Question 12

When does peak flow occur?

Answer 12

It is very rare and intense, it happens when timing, action and movement appear to be perfect

Question 13

What is peak flow characterised by?

Answer 13

• Belief in ability to complete the challenge
• Clear goals
• Total focus
• Positive attitude
• Effortless movement
• Subconscious feeling of control
• In the zone of optimal functioning

Question 14

What are the factors affecting peak flow?

Answer 14

Poor mental preparation, environmental influences and effect of injury/fatigue

Question 15

How does poor mental preparation affect peak flow?

Answer 15

Failure to reach optimum level of arousal

Question 16

How does environmental influences affect peak flow?

Answer 16

Such as pressure from the crowd, challenge perceived as too difficult/easy or frustration caused by a referees decision

Question 17

How does effect of injury/fatigue affect peak flow?

Answer 17

Will stop a performer keeping up with the flow experience