HMS, BM 2016 HSC 26

Justify the psychological strategies used by athletes to enhance their motivation and to manage anxiety. (8 marks)

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Position Statement

Psychological strategies are essential for athletic success because they directly address mental barriers that limit performance potential.
Goal setting, visualisation and relaxation techniques provide proven methods for optimising motivation and anxiety management.

Goal Setting Effectiveness

Goal setting demonstrates substantial evidence for enhancing athlete motivation through clear performance targets and achievement pathways. SMART goals provide specific, measurable objectives that maintain focus during training and competition periods.
Research confirms that athletes using systematic goal setting show increased training adherence and performance improvements.
For example, marathon runners setting progressive time targets maintain motivation throughout lengthy preparation phases.
This strategy works because it provides direction and measurable progress indicators that sustain long-term commitment.

Visualisation and Relaxation Benefits

Visualisation techniques prove highly effective for managing pre-competition anxiety whilst enhancing performance confidence levels. Mental rehearsal allows athletes to practice skills and scenarios in controlled environments before actual competition.
Progressive muscle relaxation reduces physical tension and cognitive anxiety that impair optimal performance execution.
Evidence includes tennis players using imagery to practice serve technique, resulting in improved accuracy under pressure.
This approach succeeds because it prepares athletes mentally while reducing physiological stress responses that interfere with skill execution.

Reinforcement

The evidence strongly supports implementing multiple psychological strategies to address both motivational and anxiety-related performance barriers effectively.

Show Worked Solution

Position Statement

Psychological strategies are essential for athletic success because they directly address mental barriers that limit performance potential.
Goal setting, visualisation and relaxation techniques provide proven methods for optimising motivation and anxiety management.

Goal Setting Effectiveness

Goal setting demonstrates substantial evidence for enhancing athlete motivation through clear performance targets and achievement pathways. SMART goals provide specific, measurable objectives that maintain focus during training and competition periods.
Research confirms that athletes using systematic goal setting show increased training adherence and performance improvements.
For example, marathon runners setting progressive time targets maintain motivation throughout lengthy preparation phases.
This strategy works because it provides direction and measurable progress indicators that sustain long-term commitment.

Visualisation and Relaxation Benefits

Visualisation techniques prove highly effective for managing pre-competition anxiety whilst enhancing performance confidence levels. Mental rehearsal allows athletes to practice skills and scenarios in controlled environments before actual competition.
Progressive muscle relaxation reduces physical tension and cognitive anxiety that impair optimal performance execution.
Evidence includes tennis players using imagery to practice serve technique, resulting in improved accuracy under pressure.
This approach succeeds because it prepares athletes mentally while reducing physiological stress responses that interfere with skill execution.

Reinforcement

The evidence strongly supports implementing multiple psychological strategies to address both motivational and anxiety-related performance barriers effectively.