Explain how ONE relaxation technique could be used to manage the anxiety of an athlete. Support your answer with an example. (5 marks)
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- Controlled breathing reduces physiological anxiety symptoms in athletes. This occurs because slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases heart rate and muscle tension throughout the body.
- Athletes practise rhythmic breathing patterns before high-pressure situations. For example, a penalty shooter in football uses four-second inhale, four-second exhale cycles to calm pre-kick nerves and reduce performance anxiety.
- This technique allows the athlete to shift focus from anxious thoughts to breath control. As a result, mental clarity improves and intrusive worries diminish during critical competitive moments.
- The breathing pattern creates a sense of control over physical responses. This leads to reduced trembling, steadier hands and improved concentration on technical execution requirements.
- Regular practice strengthens the relaxation response over time through conditioning. Consequently, athletes can activate calmness quickly when needed in competition, enabling optimal arousal levels for peak performance delivery.
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- Controlled breathing reduces physiological anxiety symptoms in athletes. This occurs because slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases heart rate and muscle tension throughout the body.
- Athletes practise rhythmic breathing patterns before high-pressure situations. For example, a penalty shooter in football uses four-second inhale, four-second exhale cycles to calm pre-kick nerves and reduce performance anxiety.
- This technique allows the athlete to shift focus from anxious thoughts to breath control. As a result, mental clarity improves and intrusive worries diminish during critical competitive moments.
- The breathing pattern creates a sense of control over physical responses. This leads to reduced trembling, steadier hands and improved concentration on technical execution requirements.
- Regular practice strengthens the relaxation response over time through conditioning. Consequently, athletes can activate calmness quickly when needed in competition, enabling optimal arousal levels for peak performance delivery.