stress management

Question 1

what is stress?

Answer 1

occurs when there is an imbalance between the task requirements and the ability level of the performer to respond in a situation where failure has consequences

Question 2

why does an athlete need to have a certain level of stress to produce optimal performance?

Answer 2

• Too little stress = boredom, low motivation, and poor performance
• Optimum stress levels = produce the best performance
• Too high-stress levels = negatively affect performance.

Question 3

what is physical stress?

Answer 3

• body’s reaction to different triggers

Question 4

what is emotional stress?

Answer 4

• occurs when a person finds the demands placed on them become to big or difficult to manage.

Question 5

how can stress be a positive factor?

Answer 5

• the ability of the athlete meets the demands of the task and the athlete looks forward to the challenge of the contest
• stress enhances performance = eustress.

Question 6

how can stress be a negative factor?

Answer 6

• athlete finds the levels of stress excessive and feels threatened by the demands of the task
• stress negatively affects performance = distress

Question 7

what are the two main factors which place stress?

Answer 7

• situational sources

- personality sources

Question 8

in regards to stress what are situation sources?

Answer 8

affected by 2 main factors

1. importance of the game
   - more important the event = the greater the stress
   - Experienced players cope with stress better
2. result uncertainty
   - Stress levels increase = the result is likely to be very close
   - Predictable outcomes = lower stress levels.

Question 9

in regards to stress what is personal sources

Answer 9

athletes personality affects how they perceive situations and therefore the amount of stress they experience

Question 10

what are the physiological responses to stress?

Answer 10

• Dry mouth
• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleeplessness
• Muscular tension
• Increased respiration rate
• Need to urinate
• “Butterflies”
• Increased adrenalin levels

Question 11

what are the psychological responses to stress?

Answer 11

• Indecision
• Poor decision making
• Missed cues
• Imagined cues
• Irritability
• Fear
• Confusion
• Loss of confidence

Question 12

what is adrenalin?

Answer 12

a hormone released by the body when under stress can have positive and negative effects on athletes.

Question 13

what is the zone?

Answer 13

when players have optimal arousal and produce their best performance

Question 14

what creates the zone?

Answer 14

• Self-confident
• Motivated
• Alert and ready for unexpected situations
• Focused on the task at hand.
• Mentally in control
• Physically in control

Question 15

what are the keys to managing stress?

Answer 15

• Reduce or control physiological responses to stress
• Limit the number of tasks taken on
• Prioritise tasks
• Make positive changes to behaviour
• Have a positive attitude
• Get regular exercise
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Have set “relaxation times”
• Be prepared