Relaxation

“I can't play being mad. I go out there and have fun. Its a game, and that's how I am going to treat it."

Ken Griffey, Jr.

Introduction to Relaxation

The objectives of relaxation

• What do you know about relaxation as a technique that can enhance performance?
• Benefits?
• How do you achieve a relaxing state during your pre- and during competition?

Elite athletes are rewarded with positive beneficial results from effective relaxation (some possible answers):

• Maintain focus
• Clearer state of mind
• Maintain body control

Importance of successfully utilizing skills of relaxation

Relaxation is a type of mental training in which it focuses on reducing stress and anxiety an athlete has during a pre- and during-competition. The ability of relaxation not only can increase athlete's concentration for the purpose to maintain/reach peak performance. It acts as a neutralizer for body regulation, preventing the increase of chemical reactions while in a stress or state of anxiety.

Do you use any relaxation techniques?

If NO… then skip the following and go to "Different Types of Relaxation Skills and Strategies".

If YES… what are some of the relaxation techniques?

I would like you to again write down the types of relaxation techniques on the brainstorm sheet. What are some of the techniques you use?