mental techniques help to control emotions, manage stress and improve participation and performance

a technique which involves the performer picturing themselves performing the skill perfectly or imagining positive outcomes before attempting it

a period of time immediately before a performance in which the performer will physically and mentally prepare for the performance

Mental preparation for sports performance

Physical education

This unit develops understanding of how to best prepare our mind for competition and explores strategies like mental rehearsal, visualisation and imagery to support peak performance.

Sports psychology: mental preparation for performance

before the performance but there won't be time during it

preparing for the performance and during the performance

When can an athlete use mental preparation techniques?

Saying "I have worked hard for this, today I will achieve my goal" to yourself is an example of {{}} self-talk.

ask performers to visualise how certain skills, techniques or plays should look

using positive talk to help lower stress levels

ensure muscles are sufficiently warm and joints are mobilised 

remind performers of their goal and what they are working towards

What roles can a coach play in mental preparation during the warm up?

Mental rehearsal is a technique in which the performer {{}} themselves performing the skill perfectly.

reduces the noise and allows the perfomer to focus

performer approaches the task ready to perform successfully

limits the negative impact of anxiety such as muscles tightening up

reminds the performer what an effective performance/technique is

Match the benefit of mental rehearsal to the impact on performance.

Which of these is not a benefit of mental rehearsal?

Why might a sports performer talk to themselves with positive statements about how well they can perform?

improve the performance of the skill when it's done for real

increase confidence in their ability to be successful

Match up how these techniques might help an athlete.

Goal setting is a motivational method performers can use to help {{}} on what they want to achieve.

they can focus on only the relevant information

they can no longer be motivated by the crowd

An athlete may use mental techniques to block out the crowd. How will this benefit them?

What does the term 'mental' refer to in sport psychology?

What is it called when we practice or repeat something?

Starter Quiz

Why might a sports performer talk to themselves with positive statements about how well they can perform?