1. How they impact on our performance when playing sport
Mental Factors
How they impact on our performance when playing sport

2. Learning Outcome
I will learn how to explain the positive and negative impact of mental factors on my performance in various activities.

3. Concentration
Concentration is your ability to focus on what is going on during a performance. A brain that is trained to concentrate can shut out distractions that are unimportant and stay focused on the task at hand.

4. Examples of Good Concentration
In rugby a player who has good concentration will stay calm under pressure e.g. if they are kicking to win the match for their team they will shut out all distractions and hit an accurate kick through the posts.

5. Examples of Good Concentration
A gymnast who has good concentration will remember their routine and not make any mistakes. They will be able to shut out the distraction of the crowd and execute their skills perfectly. Because of this they will get a higher mark from the judges.

6. Examples of Bad Concentration
In golf a player who has poor concentration will get distracted by people watching them play. This means they won't be fully focussed on their shot and could result in them missing a short putt or hitting a drive into the rough.

7. Examples of Bad Concentration
In tennis a player who has poor concentration will not stay calm under pressure, this could affect their technique when executing a shot e.g. they will hit a second serve into the net or out. This means they are giving easy points to the opposition.

8. Decision Making
By being able to make decisions early, we learn to ‘read’ situations, establish which things are unimportant, less important and very important. This helps us anticipate what might happen and we can think ahead to plan our possible course of action.
Decision-making means making use of our:
Senses
Past experience
Ability to read what needs to be done

9. Examples of Good Decision Making
In hockey playing a pass to a team mate who is in a better position to score rather than taking a difficult shot at goal. This means your team have a better chance of scoring a goal.
When playing a game of badminton hitting a drop shot to the front of the court when your partner is positioned at the back of the court. This makes it more difficult for your partner to return as they have a large distance to cover in a short space of time.

10. Examples of Bad Decision making
In football passing the ball to a player who is being marked closely by the opposition. This immediately puts this player under pressure because they don't have a lot of time on the ball and they lack options.
In hockey when a defender has the ball and the try a pass which travels across the circle. Because of this it could easily be intercepted and will almost certainly lead to a goal.

11. Task
Choose an activity. Analyse the impact concentration could have on your performance in this activity. (3 marks)
Choose an activity. Analyse the impact decision making could have on your performance in this activity. (3 marks)

12. Level of Arousal
“Arousal is defined as being in an energised mental state of alertness and preparedness for an activity”.
Optimum Level of Arousal
Over Aroused
Under Aroused

13. Level of Arousal Optimum Level of Arousal
This is where the performer operates at their best.
They are excited, but able to stay composed.
They are able to think clearly and make good decisions.
They stay calm under pressure and don’t “choke”.

14. Level of Arousal Over Aroused
Nerves and surges of adrenalin result in unpredictable behaviour.
Players are “wound up” and hyper – they don’t focus on the task.
Players become anxious – increased heart rate, sweating, increased adrenalin.

15. Level of Arousal Under Aroused
Over relaxed and not hyped up enough for an event.
Lapses in concentration, resulting in errors.
Being over confident before a performance.

16. Page 11 in your notes will help.
Task
Choose 2 activities and evaluate the positive and negative impact of level of arousal on your performance in these activities.(4 marks)
Make 2 points about the positive impact and 2 about the negative impact.
Page 11 in your notes will help.