Lesson 1 Peak performance

Below are lecture materials attached to the YouTube video Peak performance.

PEAK PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

Playing in a detached state

Focused on the present

Automatic responses

Natural and spontaneous

Athletes description of their peak performance experiences

Loss of fear- No fear of failure

No thinking of performance

Total immersion in the activity

Narrow focus of attention

Effortless performance- Not forcing it

Feeling of being in complete control

Time/space distortion- Usually slowed down

Universe perceived to be integrated and unified

Unique, temporary, involuntary experience

Eight characteristics of peak performance

Mentally relaxed

Physically relaxed

Confident and optimistic

Focused on the present

Highly energized

Extraordinary awareness

In control

In the cocoon

Quote- “I felt like I could do almost anything, as if I were in complete control. I felt confident and positive. Regarding arousal, I felt physically very relaxed, but really energized and pumped up. I experienced virtually no anxiety or fear, and the whole experience was enjoyable. I experienced a very real sense of calmness and quiet inside, and everything just seemed to flow automatically. Even though I was really hustling, it was all very effortless (Loehr, 1984, Applied Sport Psychology, 4^th edition).

SOVIET- 1980 WINTER OLMPICS

Group I- 100% physical training

Group II- 75% physical training, 25% mental training

Group III- 50% physical training, 50% mental training

Group IV- 25% physical training, 75% mental training

REFERENCES

Garfield, C. & Bennett, H. (1984). Peak performance: Mental Training techniques of the world’s greatest athletes. New York, NY: Warner Books, INC.

Williams, J. & Krane, K. (2001). Psychological Characteristics of Peak performance. In: J. Williams (Ed.), Applied sports psychology. 4th ed. ( pp. 162-178). Mountain, View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.