The Power of Optimal Arousal Chapter 21

If you are too relaxed, you do not perform to your capabilities If you are too pumped-up, you do not perform well The Inverted U

Research shows that poor performances are cause by being too pumped-up rather than too relaxed. The Inverted U

Optimal Level The optimal level differs for every sport Fine motor vs. gross motor Name some sports … Optimal Level

The higher the skill level learned, the more pumped-up a player may become For beginners, it is important to focus on the skill set rather than emotions Athlete’s Skill Level

Controlling your levels Get in the habit of checking your body Pay attention to breathing, thoughts, movements, words Controlling your levels

Decreasing over-arousal Relaxation techniques learned in Chapter 19. These are especially good for the night before and during the day. Slow down your warm-up Mentally downplay the importance of the performance Change your focus - redirect Decreasing over-arousal

Increasing your arousal 10 Psyching-up Strategies Page 192 Increasing your arousal