5.3.3 Arousal and performance

• The relationship between arousal and performance is described by the inverted-U
• Low arousal leads to poor performance as athletes lack energy and focus
• Match the sport with its optimal arousal level:

  Golf ↔️ Low

  Basketball ↔️ Medium

  Weightlifting ↔️ High
• How does a noisy environment affect arousal levels?

  Increases arousal
• Low arousal leads to suboptimal performance because athletes feel sluggish
• Sports requiring fine motor skills, like golf, benefit from low arousal levels.
• Experienced athletes can handle higher arousal levels due to better coping skills
• What is arousal in sports psychology?

  Physiological and psychological activation
• What does the inverted-U theory state about arousal and performance?

  Optimal arousal leads to peak performance
• How does optimal arousal level vary for different sports?

  Depends on the sport type
• Order the factors influencing arousal levels from most to least controllable:

  1️⃣ Individual differences

  2️⃣ Experience

  3️⃣ Environment

  4️⃣ Competition

  5️⃣ Task complexity
• What does the inverted-U theory state about optimal performance and arousal?

  Optimal performance at ideal arousal
• What is the effect of low arousal on performance according to the inverted-U theory?

  Suboptimal
• Complex tasks require higher arousal levels, while simple tasks benefit from lower arousal.

  False
• High-stakes competitions tend to decrease arousal levels in athletes.

  False
• The goal of controlling arousal is to find the right balance of techniques to reach the ideal arousal level for peak athletic performance
• High arousal can lead to anxiety and loss of concentration.


  True
• High arousal can cause muscle tension and anxiety.

  True
• Sports requiring fine motor skills benefit from high arousal levels.

  False
• Simple tasks benefit from higher arousal, while complex tasks require lower
• High arousal levels can lead to anxiety and muscle tension, which deteriorates performance.


  True
• Which sport requires a high arousal level for optimal performance?

  Weightlifting
• What environmental factors can influence an athlete's arousal levels?

  Noise, crowds, weather
• Match the technique with its example:

  Relaxation technique ↔️ Deep breathing

  Energizing technique ↔️ Light exercise

  Cognitive strategy ↔️ Goal-setting
• Maintaining the ideal arousal state is crucial for peak athletic performance.


  True
• Order the techniques for controlling arousal before competition:

  1️⃣ Relaxation techniques

  2️⃣ Energizing techniques

  3️⃣ Cognitive strategies
• What type of sports require higher arousal levels to maximize physical output?

  Strength and power