Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory

Getting the level just right

Before a big performance, how fired up should an athlete be? Too flat and they react slowly; too wound up and they lose control. The inverted-U theory says there is a sweet spot in the middle where performance peaks. This module works through what arousal is, how it shapes performance, and why a snooker player and a weightlifter need different amounts of it.

Arousal words to know

Learn these before you read the curve.

Fine skills against gross skills

The best level of arousal depends on the kind of skill.

Describe the curve, match the skill

In the exam, describe the inverted-U as a curve, not a straight line. Too little and a performer is flat and does poorly; at the right level in the middle they hit their peak; too much and they fall away again. Then match the skill to what it needs: precise, controlled skills want it low, while powerful, whole-body skills can take it high. If a graph is asked for, put performance up the side and arousal along the bottom.

Match the term

Match the case

When is performance best?

According to the inverted-U theory, when is performance at its best?

• At a medium, optimal level of arousal
• At the lowest possible arousal
• At the highest possible arousal
• Arousal has no effect on performance

True about arousal

Select the TWO true statements about arousal and performance.

• Too much arousal can make performance drop
• Fine skills usually need a lower level of arousal
• Performance keeps rising without limit as arousal increases
• Gross power skills need a very low level of arousal

Find the mean rating

A coach records a player arousal level on a 10-point scale before four matches as 6, 8, 7 and 7. Add the four ratings and divide by 4 to find the mean arousal rating. What is the answer?

Order the curve

Put these stages in order as arousal rises from low to high.

• At low arousal the performer is flat and does poorly
• As arousal rises performance improves
• At optimal arousal performance reaches its peak
• With too much arousal performance drops again

Complete the theory

The level of readiness for a performance is called _____. The inverted-U theory says performance is best at an _____ level of arousal. Too much arousal is called _____ arousal and makes performance drop. A fine, precise skill needs a _____ level of arousal.

Spot the inverted-U facts

Tap the TWO statements that match the inverted-U theory.

• performance is best at a medium level of arousal
• too much arousal makes performance drop
• performance always rises as arousal rises
• arousal makes no difference to performance

Read the performer

Read each case and choose the best answer.

• An archer is so hyped up and tense that the shot flies wide. What does the inverted-U theory say has happened?
• A sprinter feels flat and half-asleep at the start and reacts slowly. What is the problem?
• A rugby player making a powerful tackle performs best when highly fired up. What kind of skill benefits from higher arousal?

Explain the inverted-U theory

Explain the inverted-U theory of arousal and how the best level of arousal depends on the type of skill.

• Explain what arousal is
• Explain how performance changes as arousal rises, using the inverted-U shape
• Explain why fine skills and gross skills need different levels of arousal