Centring

Anxiety causes a response both Physiologically (body) Psychologically (mind)

Physiological responses Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate Muscle tension sweating

Psychological responses Create negative thoughts which causes anxiety which leads to more negative thoughts. This cycle intensifies until Cannot think at all Poor concentration Poor decision making Feelings of being out of control

Centring allows an athlete to Reduce anxiety levels before & during performance Refocus and gain control of their thoughts

Techniques to have a relaxing effect on the body Breathe deeply & slowly with knees bent Bending knees reduces locking of knees which is a result of anxiety Focus attention on abdomen Centres thoughts on body’s centre of gravity Increases sense of balance and control

Centring can be used at a critical time of a game Five slow deep breaths to refocus Between restartsBetween breaks During substitution During a slow period / down time