STRESS AND PERFORMANCE

A) Stress= Reaction to perceived pressure.B) 2 Types of stress: Eustress (good), Distress (bad).C) Both affect the sympathetic nervous system:

epinephrine (adrenaline) is produced to heighten awareness and cause arousal. “Fight or Flight.”

D) Goal is to have balance between adrenaline kick and being relaxed to obtain peak performance.

STRESS PROCESS

• Stress=Stressors---Appraisal---Stress Response• Stress Responses may affect:The Big 41) Motor Skill execution (coordination).2) Thinking3) Emotional stability.4) Physical response (reaction time and effort)

PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESSORS• Physiological Stressors result in increased

physical arousal (activation) and changes in the nervous and endocrine systems.

• Inhibits digestion, stimulates glucose release, secretion of adrenaline, relaxes bladder, increase heart rate, respiration, and perspiration, dilation of pupils, pooling of blood into the mass muscles.

• The above is NORMAL and is necessary.• What is the danger? Over activation!!

Arousal Stress AnxietyEnvironmental Demand

(Physical & Psychological)

Individuals Perception of the Environmental Demand

(Amount of threat perceived)

Stress Response(Arousal, muscle tension, attention changes and

state anxiety)

Behavioral Consequences(Performance and outcome)

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

OVER ACTIVATION

* Results in being “tight” or “tired.”* Also results in:A) Poor decision makingB) Excessive physical effortC) Skill execution errorsD) Fatigue

PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSORS

1) Threats to self-esteem.2) Self-expectations.3) Expectations of others (fans, coaches, parents, etc)Why are these stressors?*Your response may be compromised. If so you will

lose control, become frustrated or play with fear.

What are your stressors?

Chapter 3 Handout

Assignment

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ8h3SztT-o

Instructions: 1) Watch the first 37 minutes of the video. 2) Write down any information, facts, etc. that you find interesting. For example, If I were you I would write down the things that I could personally use to make myself a better athlete.