There are many psychological strategies to enhance motivation and manage anxiety that athletes use. They are often done before competition to help the athlete release nerves and focus on the task they are about to perform. Psychological strategies to enhance motivation and manage anxiety can also be used within competition during moments of high pressure. Such moments include free throws in basketball, taking a penalty shot in football, or a conversion in rugby.
The strategies used by athletes include a range of concentration skills that help the athlete to focus on the competition. Athletes also use metal rehearsal of the skill before execution, and can use this during rehabilitation to reduce the loss of coordination that comes with siting on the side-line for extended periods of time. Relaxation techniques are also used to help calm nerves and develop body awareness. And goal-setting is frequently used before and during training programs in order to determine aims and check progress.
Students learn about:
- Psychological strategies to enhance motivation and manage anxiety
Students learn to:
- Research case studies of athletes from different sports and ascertain the nature of their motivation and the psychological strategies they employ.
Past HSC PDHPE exam questions (2012-2022)
2013 Question 28
How can psychological strategies enhance motivation and manage anxiety in athletes? Include examples in your answer. 8 Marks
2016 Question 26
Justify the psychological strategies used by athletes to enhance their motivation and to manage anxiety. 8 marks