(Pg 79) Arousal

Arousal describes the heightened sense of physical and mental alertness or activation (Amezdroz et al, 2010). It ranges on a continuum and is a prerequisite for optimal sporting performance (Amezdroz et al, 2010).

Performance increases as arousal increases until an optimal level of arousal is reached which provides optimal performance. Beyond this peak an athlete is over- aroused and performance deteriorates Inverted –U hypothesis Low levels of arousal equates with poor performance

Optimal level of arousal depends on Personal factors such as Personality traits Level of confidence Expectations Cognitive anxiety Situational factors such as Coaching style Rewards Audience Difficulty of task

Relationship between arousal and performance differs between sports Golfer requires less arousal for optimal performance than a netball player differs between level of skill Optimal level of arousal lower for a beginner than for a skilled athlete carrying out the same task