Psychological factors like motivation, arousal, anxiety, personality, and concentration impact sports performance. Motivation can be intrinsic, from enjoyment of the sport, or extrinsic, from rewards. Performers need optimal arousal levels to perform at their best, but high arousal can cause anxiety. There are two types of anxiety - cognitive worries about ability and somatic physical symptoms. Personality is unique to each individual and coaches treat people differently based on personality. Concentration is the ability to focus and process information efficiently, while too much information or a lack of focus harms performance.

1. Psychological FactorsArousal and Anxiety MotivationPsychological FactorsPersonalityConcentration

2. MotivationThe drive to succeedI want to win, I am going to win and do my best!Intrinsic motivationThe desire to improve, challenge yourself and the enjoyment gained from taking part and being successful.

3. MotivationExtrinsic motivationThis type of motivation relates to receiving rewards for success and good performances. e.g. Winning a trophy for a tournament.The balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are vital to a performer if they are to be successful.

4. ArousalExcitementWhat is arousal?“An increased state of readiness before performing”Being ready to perform mentally

5. To perform at your best you need optimal levels of arousalAnxietyA negative emotional feeling that occurs when arousal levels are too high.The performer will feel threatened by the situation and have a fear that they will fail. There are 2 forms of anxiety that a performer may experience.StressNervousFearScared

6. AnxietyNegative stress is often referred to as.... AnxietyThere are 2 types of anxiety:Cognitive:Thoughts of worry and concern because you think you lack ability to complete the task. (Nervousness and worried)

7. AnxietySomatic:Physiological responses. How you feel.Increase heart rate, sweating, blood pressure rises, muscle tension, butterflies. These symptoms usually reduce once the event has started. How you feelButterfliesSweatingHeart rateTension

8. PersonalityWhat’s different about the personality of these people?

9. What is PersonalityPersonality is the individual, unique characteristics of an individual. What we are like as a personand how we behave.Knowledge about personality is important to ensure optimum sporting performance.Coaches will treat individuals differently depending on the performer’s personality. This means they will get the best out of them.

10. ConcentrationThis is the ability to process information and focus. Information processing happens quickly and the body will decide whether to act on the information or not. An overload of information can have a negative effect on performance. A lack of concentration will affect performance negatively.