Understanding Inverted U concept - Knowing How to Use It.

Inverted U Concept

The Inverted-U graph shows some key points I covered in this session. You must identify your optimal, under/ over arousal.

To do that, the following figure will show you some samples of the inverted-U for other sports. Look at the Inverted-U for golf and Weight Lifting. What are the differences? Why are not the inverted-U for golf and Weight lifting on the same side?

Yerkes-Dodson Law defines the inverted U as a way to identify athlete’s arousal level. The optimal level of arousal is low if task is complex (such as golfing), which requires fine motor skill. The optimal level of arousal is high (such as weight lifting), if the task is relatively simple (Moran, A. P. 2005).

So for racquetball, where it requires a heavy amount of fine motor skills, along with the complexity of racquet sport, the optimal level of arousal should be maintaining at a lower end, such as the arousal peak for golfer.

The Inverted U is a really important concept that you must understand before utilizing the relaxation techniques. The inverted U concept is like the engine of a ship, if there is no engine, the ship would not move. The inverted U reveals the concept of how an athlete regulates their arousal and emotion for peak performance. Although it might be a very simple graph, but it will greatly affect your performance if it is not properly used.

Please remember this important concept before choosing the relaxation techniques to aid performances.