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How can psychological strategies enhance motivation and manage anxiety in athletes? Include examples in your answer. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 28 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 28
How can psychological strategies enhance motivation and manage anxiety in athletes? Include examples in your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How can psychological strategies enhance motivation and manage anxiety in athletes? Include examples in your answer. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 28 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how psychological strategies can enhance motivation and manage anxiety
Answer
Psychological strategies are critical tools for athletes as they help in enhancing motivation and managing anxiety effectively. One prominent strategy is the use of concentration skills, which involves focusing attention on relevant stimuli during performance. For instance, golfers often establish routines before a putt to assist with focus and to reduce anxiety. This routine can include repeating key phrases, visualizing success, or controlling breathing. By maintaining concentration, athletes can mitigate distractions and elevate their performance, thus enhancing motivation.
Step 2
Provide examples of psychological strategies
Answer
Another effective psychological strategy is mental rehearsal, where athletes visualize themselves performing a sequence of actions successfully. This method increases their brain’s familiarity with the tasks and helps in reducing anxiety by making scenarios feel more 'real.' For instance, a sprinter may visualize their start, acceleration, and finish during training. Additionally, relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can greatly assist athletes prone to over-arousal by allowing them to calm their minds and focus on their goals. Lastly, goal-setting strategies guide athletes by providing a structured framework to define their objectives, motivating them to reach their aspirations while combating anxiety.