1. At the elite level it is considered by some that “the deciding factor is not the skill but the ability to perform under stress” (Patmore, 1986)

2. Learning Objectives To be able to define and explain the following terms: -Stress - Arousal in sport.

3. https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=aiUjhI4VAQc &feature=player_embedd ed https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=aiUjhI4VAQc &feature=player_embedd ed The Cube A game show where the contestants compete for quarter- million pounds. The entire show is predicated on the fact that relatively mundane tasks suddenly become feats of impossibility once you stand in a perspex box. Nivea effects of stress sweating, which is often experienced by the show’s contestants who struggle to keep their nerve in a high pressure game of skill and strategy

4. What do we know already Arousal in sport

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMb40wR TJh8 Watch the video and come up with your own definition of arousal in sport

7. Definition of Arousal in sport The immediate response (fight or flight) to a stressor and is governed by the sympathetic nervous system and corresponds to the alarm reaction of the general adaptive system.

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47LCLoidJ h4&list=PLyLAh3Ru2EUV_4avOXzc0OdvYT_uut SKE

9. LOW AROUSAL HIGH AROUSAL Arousal can be a heightened sense of psychological activity. i.e. Increased heart rate, excitement, faster respiration, increased sweating. Arousal can also be attributable to amount of motivation you may have. This can include aspects such as how alert you may be when participating in sport. Research has suggested that we need a certain level of arousal to enable us to perform at our best. https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=t0GESlaVNdE&index=2 &list=PLyLAh3Ru2EUV_4avOXz c0OdvYT_uutSKE

10. Over Arousal is when your nerves and stress levels are too high and it affects your performance. By being over aroused you are more prone to making mistakes and lose focus and concentration. Over Aroused in sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6caNpwD YJ98 https://www.youtu be.com/watch?v=kk Of8Ic3LP4&index=4 &list=PLyLAh3Ru2E UV_4avOXzc0OdvYT _uutSKE

11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N9JJmYI BNc Under arousal What is it? Give an example in a sporting context

12. PYSIOLOGICAL (somatic) SIGNS OF AROUSAL Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate Sweating Headache Cold, clammy hands Constant need to urinate Dry mouth Dazed look in the eyes Feelings of nausea Increased muscle tension Butterflies in the stomach

13. PSYCHOLOGICAL (cognitive) SIGNS OF AROUSAL Increased focus and concentration Heightened awareness of important cues in the environment Narrowing of attention, excluding irrelevant stimuli Decreased reaction time If a performer becomes too aroused they can exhibit signs of: Anxiety Tension Negative self talk Difficulties sleeping Inability to concentrate Fear and anger

14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHtWSW 6OGyU Managing Arousal

15. Exam question High board diving involves performers taking turns to perform complicated manoeuvres from a 10-metre high diving board before they enter the water in a controlled body position. Big competitions are usually held in front of many spectators. (a) The presence of spectators may lead to an increase in arousal. What do you understand by the term arousal? (2 marks) 1. State/level of activation/excitement/alertness/anticipation 2. Somatic = physiological eg increased heart rate/sweating etc 3. Cognitive = psychological eg loss of concentration/attentional narrowing etc