Arousal (Hanin's Zone and Peak flow)

Question 1

Define Zone

Answer 1

• Area of controlled arousal and high levels of performance.

Question 2

Define Peak flow

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Zone of optimal functioning

Answer 3

• Psychologist Hanin studied the inverted- U theory and made adaptations to it.
• Suggesting that increases in arousal can improve performance.
• Optimal level of arousal does vary for individual players from high to low.

Question 4

Zone of optimal functioning (pt.2)

Answer 4

• Rather than a point of optimal arousal, the best level in sport for maximum confidence etc. is a ‘zone’.
• This ‘zone’ is a mental state that autonomous performers only experience once or twice in their career.

Question 5

‘In the zone’ characteristics

Answer 5

• Performing at optimal arousal levels.
• Feeling completely calm.
• Complete attentional control (concentrated on task).
• Performing on autopilot.
• Feeling completely confident that success is evitable.
• Performing smoothly, efficiently and effortlessly.
• These all result in a smooth, effortless performance at the highest level. Being in the zone can then lead to the ‘peak flow experience’.

Question 6

Look at diagram of Hanin’s zone of optimal functioning.

Question 7

What is the peak flow experience?

Answer 7

• The peak flow is the ultimate positive psychological state for a performer.
• Very rare and intense.
• It happens when timing, action and movement appear to be perfect.
• It is the ultimate intrinsic experience.

Question 8

Characteristics of the peak flow experience…

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are the 3 factors affecting peak flow?

Answer 9

1. Poor mental preparation.
2. Environmental issues.
3. Effect of injury/ fatigue.

Question 10

1. Poor mental preparation

Answer 10

• Therefore, failure to reach optimum level of arousal.

Question 11

2. Environmental influences

Answer 11

• Such as pressure from the crowd, challenge perceived as too difficult/ easy or frustration caused by a referee’s decision.

Question 12

3. Effect of injury/ fatigue

Answer 12

• Will stop a performer keeping up with the flow experience.