Forrester PE Dept
“Enrichment beyond the classroom”
"Impossible
is nothing"
Mental factors
LEVEL OF AROUSAL
Definition
The level of mental arousal is the level of excitement, anticipation, stress, aggression, apprehension and nervousness. It refers to the state of mental preparedness for participation in an activity.
Impact on Performance
Level of mental arousal is key to success in the long jump. The athlete must be prepared to perform in front of a crowd and be able to deal with everyone focussing their attention solely on them.
If our mental arousal is too low then we may not perform at our highest level, we may appear to be tired, disinterested or distracted. Then again if it is too high, we may become stressed due to expectations, the importance of the occasion or the number of people watching. Having too high or too low a level or arousal may result in loss of distance.
“I must find the correct level of mental arousal to perform at my best, so that I am excited enough, yet calm enough to execute the long jump perfectly.”
Mental Factors
Level of arousal
