Among the effects of a well-developed pre-performance routine are improving concentration, preventing negative thoughts, blocking out external distractions, and developing a plan of action before the performance begins.

Biofeedback techniques for Optimal Performance:

1. Relaxation: Very Useful in helping athletes regulate their energy use in order to allow for peak performance. Moreover, it's been reported that proper application of relaxation techniques may facilitate recovery from exercise. This is particularly important in instances where athletes have only a... See more

A series of studies performed by Gold and his colleagues examined significant psychological skills of elite sports performance. These studies revealed that the best elite athletes were characterized by a high level of self-confidence as well as the ability to cope with and control their anxiety and to focus and block out distractions. Among these... See more

The psychological skills that are commonly used by elite athletes in their quest to achieve peak performance is imagery, goal-setting, self-confidence, positive thinking, self-awareness, attentional focus, arousal, control, and decision-making.

When athletes are at their peak performance, many of them also report that they are at a period of high concentration and that they are thinking clearly. Their attention is fully devoted to the performance and most of them emphasize the vital role of psychological factors in their competitions.

The flow state is characterized by a high central nervous system adaptation, motor and biological harmony, high motivation, ability to cope with frustration, accepting the implicit risk of competing, and high self-confidence. We have seen that only those who are the strongest mentally on that given day will win.

Much research has been carried out in areas of peak performance, flow state, and individualized zone of optimal functioning, enabling us to describe the general profile which is typically of this ideal body and mind state as follows.

1, high concentration, appropriately focused.

2, positive preoccupation with the sport event, imagery and thoughts.... See more