Mental preparation
I can identify and use a range of mental preparation techniques.
Mental preparation
I can identify and use a range of mental preparation techniques.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mental preparation techniques help performers improve their performance by beneficially managing their emotions.
- Mental rehearsal involves imagining a successful performance to improve confidence and focus.
- Imagery can be used to imagine being in a happy place and can help lower anxiety levels.
- Selective attention is used to focus on only the important stimuli and block out distractions.
- Performers can use positive thinking to increase confidence.
Keywords
Mental rehearsal - relaxation technique which involves the performer picturing themselves performing the skill perfectly or imagining positive outcomes before attempting it
Imagery - a relaxation technique to control mental thoughts which involves the performer imagining themselves in a relaxing or happy place
Selective attention - focussing on the important stimuli and blocking out any which might be distracting
Positive thinking - developing cognitive positive thoughts about your own performance
Mental preparation - the rehearsal of a physical skill that takes place within the mind of the performer without any actual physical movement
Common misconception
Mental preparation is just for elite athletes.
Students should understand that everyone can benefit from mental preparation techniques and that performers in many fields of work practice them. They too could benefit in their own pursuits.
To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Mental preparation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Mental preparation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Sports psychology: mental preparation for performance unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
setting specific, measurable, and achievable targets to focus on
imagining yourself performing well in the event
using relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety and tension
repeating positive thoughts to boost confidence and focus
Exit quiz
6 Questions
technique which involves the performer picturing themselves performing
performer imagines themselves in a relaxing or happy place
focussing on the important stimuli and blocking out others
developing cognitive positive thoughts about your own performance