(Pg 79)Arousal

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 confidenceExpectations

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