Kai Wyatt
Exam1
1.
The neurophysiological response to stress is through the central nervous
system that controls arousal. There are three different cues that are seen through
the cortex which are environmental cues, sensory cues, and memory. Information is
processed through the limbic system part of the brain. The limbic system is the
emotion center of the central nervous system, where emotions such as stress, fear,
and rage are controlled. The response to stress happens through the sympathetic
division, that promotes activity in the body responsible for the “fight or flight”
response. Norepinephrine a substance that excites the vital that would be released.
It would then cause the increase in heart rate that can be associated with the rise of
arousal. An immediate response would show symptoms of increased heart rate,
increased breathing, and increased sweating. At this point optimal arousal would be
really high on the inverted U curve. Arousal adjusting strategies are needed to
prepare athletes for competition because they help decrease breathing rate,
decrease respiration, decrease heart rate, and oxygen consumption. They are
needed because as a coach you would want your players to perform at their
maximum potential. If the athlete’s arousal is too far on the curve, then the strategies
can be used to bring them to the right arousal level.
2.
Goal setting can be implemented into the competition by having specific goals set
for the team such as short term goals like being .500 halfway through the season. For practice
having a good practice with energy, no missed layups, and no turnovers. To enforce that goal
a consequence could be put in place because losing would be a consequence in games. For
competition team goals for each game could be set like no more than twenty turnovers a
game, or individually like having more defensive rebounds than offensive. The overall goal
could be winning the conference championship, or the NCAA. Goal setting should be
obtainable goals within the team. Coaches should give rewards or praise to help the players
know what it feels like to achieve a goal. With self-talk you can help yourself set goals
within yourself. Self-talk can be used as motivation or as a relaxation method. In preseason
could help players understand themselves and the state of arousal. Give information and
activities to do at home such as goal setting, relaxation methods, and concentration activities.
3.
Imagery is actually a form of simulation. It is similar to a real sensory
experience, seeing, feeling, or hearing, but the entire experience occurs in the mind. I
would use imagery to enhance performance and thoughts of my athletes in different
situations by painting a picture for them during practice with situational drills and during
circle up talks in the locker room.
Where- In the locker room during circle ups before games or after practice.
Situational drills that might happen during competition to enhance performance during
competition. Circle up talks telling the team that we will be playing our game not theirs
and when we do we will win the game. Pep talks.
When- Before, during, and after practice/competition; outside of
practice/competition. Also when I feel that it is needed because of situations of the game
or because of arousal levels.
Why- To focus on motivation, cognitive development, and performance
enhancement.
What-surroundings of fans, and outside distractions described in situations. How
do we see ourselves, and how do you see yourselves in those situations? Getting insight
in practice on what we can do to feel less stressed in those game situations.
References
Moran, A. (2012). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. New York, NY:
Routledge.