1. The Power of Optimal Arousal
Chapter 21

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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