The document contains questions about arousal and its effects on performance. It discusses the inverted U theory of arousal, which states that performance increases with arousal up to an optimal point, after which further increases in arousal decrease performance. It suggests some sports benefit from low arousal for fine motor skills, while others benefit from high arousal for gross motor skills. The document also provides ways to control arousal levels, such as self-talk, mental rehearsal, and deep breathing, to help ensure performance is at its best.

1. Answer the Following question by yourself!!!
1) What do you enjoy doing or going to the most
2) What do you not enjoy doing the most or going to?
3) What subject do you enjoy going to?
4) What subject do you not enjoy going to?
5) If you could do one thing in your life what would it be?
6) Have you ever been so ‘up for’ a game/performance
that you have either
- made mistakes
- lost focus
- got aggressive?

2. Learning Objectives
• Be able to describe what Arousal is
• Know what the inverted u theory is
• Understand different controlling measures

3. Arousal
What is it?
• Arousal is a physical and mental state of alertness/excitement varying from
deep sleep to intense excitement.
• What Effects us physically when aroused?
• Heart raise increase and Sweat more
• Using the pictures below. Discuss each picture with the person next to you,
on how arousal can affect that performance.

4. Inverted U theory of Arousal
• Y
X
Draw this in your books

5. Inverted U Theory
How does it work?
As arousal increases so does performance
Up to the optimal/perfect level
If arousal increases further, performance will decrease

6. Arousal in Sport
From the sports on this page, what sports would benefit from a
low level of arousal and what sports would benefit from high
level of arousal?
Sprinting
Weightlifting
Snooker
Darts
Rugby
Badminton

7. Arousal in Sport
Fine/precise movements involving accuracy require a low optimal level
Gross/Skills requiring power, strength and/ or large muscle movements require a high
level of arousal
Low Optimal Level of Arousal………………………………High Opyimal Level of Arousal
Fine/Precise………………………………………………………………………………………..ross/large muscle
movements
Can you pick 3 sports to go on one side of the equation and 3 sports to go on the
other?

8. Arousal in Sport
What did you get?

9. Task
We are going to watch 5 clips and you are going to
rank them in order of importance for high levels of
arousal.
Why have you chosen that order?
• Golf putt
• Archery
• Javelin throw
• Basketball pass
• Heavyweight boxing fight

10. Differing Optimal Levels or
Arousal
We now know low levels of arousal can be good for sport. As well as high levels of
arousal can be good for sport.
Can you create your own graph that shows 2 inverted U within it?
Clue : - 2 high points, 2 different start points, 2 different finish points? One cross over?
What did you get?
Draw this in your books?

11. Controlling Arousal Levels
• The person who took part – I want you to
answer the following questions for your
group?
• Write answers down
• 1) – Was you worried? Scared? Excited?
• 2) – Did you have any physical effects?
• 3) – How did you control your worries
before you came in?

12. Controlling Arousal Levels
• There are 3 ways to control our arousal?
• Why do we need to control our arousal?
• To ensure their performance is the best I can be. An incorrect level of arousal may
result in mistakes being made as a result of under or over arousal.
• 3 Ways to control Arousal
• Self-talk is a mental technique whereby the performer talks to him/herself in their
head to reassure themselves.
• Mental rehearsal is a mental technique involving the performer picturing
themselves performing the skill perfectly before attempting it. This cognitive
relaxation technique involves control of mental thoughts and imagining positive
outcomes.
• Deep breathing is a physical (somatic) technique that involves the performer
exaggerating their breaths in and out.

13. Questions
1. Compare the skills of a golf swing, a hockey pass and a
rugby tackle. Explain what level of arousal is likely to be
needed for each, justifying your answers. (3)
2. Compare the levels of arousal usually experienced/
required by cognitive and autonomous performers. (2)
3. Analyze the information below and try to fill in the table
Sporting
Situation
Arousal Level Do they need to
control/adjust
their arousal
level?
If yes, suggest an
appropriate
technique
Archery Medium
Weightlifter High
Snooker Player High

14. Answers
1.
– Golf: fine, complex skill that requires lower levels of arousal.
– Hockey passing: mixture of complex and gross skills; mixture
of arousal levels.
– Rugby tackling: gross skill that is less complex and requires
high level of arousal.
2.
– Cognitive performers require a lower level of arousal.
– Cognitive performers require more time for decision making,
which requires lower levels of arousal.
– High levels of arousal lead to performer choosing dominant
learned response – this isn’t always right in cognitive
performers.

15. Answers
• 3.
Sporting
Situation
Arousal Level Do they need to
control/adjust
their arousal
level?
If yes, suggest an
appropriate
technique
Archery Medium Yes – it should be
low for a fine skill
Any of:
- Deep Breathing
- Mental
Rehearsal
- Positive Self-Talk
Weightlifter High No – it should be
high
Not applicable
Snooker Player High Yes – it should be
low for a fine skill
Any of:
- Deep Breathing
- Mental
Rehearsal
- Positive Self-Talk