We have provided a few ways, with the assistance of other scholars to improve how each individual handles situational difficulties.
What needs to be done if the score is EXCELLENT 9-16
Receiving an excellent score, therefore illustrating the player may deal very well with situational stress, anxiety, arousal and concentration, skill perception and motivation. However, as the word depicts, this is situational, subject to change and unpredictable.
Therefore, as a Coach it is your responsibility to ensure that these levels are at closely monitored, if not improved further. Some steps to assist with this process may include:
- manipulating training and game environments
- greater communication and role diversity
- goal setting and implement plans eg. no negative thoughts when we are losing, positive body language, positive team talk
(Hutcheson, 2001)
- visualisation and affirmation eg. think about testing situations and visualise what I (the player) would like to do to overcome that situation. This is an important one because it allows for situational familiarity. (Santilli, 2002)
What needs to be done if the score is GOOD, OR SATISFACTORY 17-32.
Obviously, there is always room for improvement. There is nothing wrong with having some level of situational stress, anxiety or problems with situational motivation and concentration. It provides the player with something to work towards. Research shows that having a modicum of stress or anxiety is stimulating and improves performance, but too much can be debilitating. (Partridge, 2000).
Therefore, it is a judgement call on your behalf, the Coach. If you feel their performance and psychological health in a given situation is optimum, then taking no action is a positive step. It will allow the player to develop their own sense of comfort in a given situation. (Hutcheson, 2001) However, if you feel you would like to get them into that excellent bracket, and really see if you can get your players to reach their potential, then refer to below for possible ways to do this.
What needs to be done if the score is UNSATISFACTORY OR POOR 33-45.
The following are a brief list of steps that may help is improving a player's traits scores. It is kept brief, because your interpretation of it as a Coach and how you apply it to your player is crucial for your collective development. (Hansen, Gilbert, Hamel, 2003). In addition, we as researchers cannot account for and assess every situation.
Keep in mind, these techniques ARE NOT quick fix. Regular application of these will need to occur over an extended period of time. (Hansen, et.al 2003).
- secure, stable and changing training environment (don't employ same drills, under the same situations - raise the stakes)
- supportive learning environment
- player and Coach recognition that there is help needed
- regular talks and listening exercises on the Coaches behalf
- deep breathing and focus exercises (eg. 5 mins of deep breathing), this can be done during the game/training as well as off-field.
- stretching exercises (releases tension, improves mobility)
(Hansen, et. al 2003)
- adequate game preparation, a player's nerves will rise and inhibit performance if they are late, not properly warmed up, have not gone through pre-game rituals
(Partridge, 2000)
- help the player to understand to handle things that are in their control
- put performance or problem into context and perspective
- help player to identify the source of a problem and identify:
why it is a problem; who can help to deal with it; what needs to be done and also, what type of problem is it (pressure, crowds, peers etc.)
(Partridge, 2000)
- encourage the player to let things come to them, DON'T force things
(Sherman, Fuller, & Speed, 2000)
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Poor
9-16
17-24
25-32
33-40
41-45
Anxiety
Arousal/
Concentration
Skill Level
Motivation
25
26-27
28-29
30-31
