MENTAL SKILLS STRATEGIES – RELAXATION

Question 1

define relaxation

Answer 1

An activity undertaken to reduce tension and the effects of physical and mental stress

Question 2

list at least 4 methods of personal relaxation

Answer 2

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Breathing techniques/controlled breathing/centred breathing
• Music
• Autogenic training
• Thought Stopping / Self-talk
• Massage
• Floatation tanks
• Meditation
• Matching Hypothesis

Question 3

elaborate on relaxation and motivation

Answer 3

Athletes who are very highly motivated can experience a decline in performance often associated with trying too hard to achieve their optimal performance – often referred to as “choking under pressure”.

Question 4

elaborate on relaxation and concentration

Answer 4

An athlete who loses attention or who focus their attention on the wrong cues will under perform.

Question 5

elaborate on relaxation and arousal

Answer 5

Over aroused athletes do not perform at their optimal levels as they can experience difficulty shifting their attentional focus and miss important cues in the environment e.g. an unmarked team mate.