Mental Preparation & Sport (OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE)): Revision Note

Mental preparation techniques in sport

• Mental preparation is used in sport to help a performer cope with high levels of stress and anxiety, focus on the task at hand and feel more confident  

• These techniques can be carried out before or during a sporting performance 

• Techniques include imagery, mental rehearsal and positive thinking  

Imagery 

• This is when the performer uses their imagination to picture a relaxed, peaceful and calm place or time 

  • E.g. a netball player before a league final may think of a calm, relaxing place to be to steady their nerves

Mental rehearsal 

• This is where the performer pictures themselves executing a skill perfectly before attempting it 

• By imaging positive outcomes, it can relax and help them focus on their performance  

  • E.g. A rugby player often pictures the perfect conversion kick over the goal posts 

Positive thinking 

• This is when a performer gives themselves words of encouragement and positive affirmations by talking to themselves either in their head or by verbally saying it aloud  

• This psyches the performer up, increasing their self-confidence and reducing anxiety  

  • E.g. a high jumper telling themselves, "I have jumped this height before so I can do it again!"