The Role of Emotions in Athletic Performance
Assignment Instructions:
1. What are the most dangerous, unhelpful emotions to athletes/teams? Why are they the
most dangerous?
2. Once you recognize an emotion that hurts performance, what should you do to create
an environment where you can exhibit emotions that help performance?
3. What actions that you exhibit as a coach can create the emotions that produce joy and
exhilaration or complacency and redundancy?
4. Was there ever a time that you felt ignored by your coach, based on your performance
during an athletic contest?
, Introduction
Emotions are central to athletic performance and team dynamics. While technical skill,
strategy, and physical fitness are essential, the psychological state of athletes can often
determine the outcome of competition. Positive emotions like confidence, joy, and
determination enhance performance, while negative emotions such as fear, anger, and
complacency can undermine both individual and team success. This paper explores the
most dangerous emotions in sports, strategies to foster productive emotional
environments, coaching actions that influence emotions, and a personal reflection on a
moment of feeling ignored by a coach.
Dangerous Emotions for Athletes and Teams
Certain emotions pose particular risks to athletes and teams. One of the most dangerous is
fear or anxiety. Excessive worry about mistakes or performance outcomes can lead to
hesitation, poor decision-making, and a loss of confidence. Athletes experiencing high
anxiety may freeze under pressure, misjudge plays, or withdraw from taking risks that are
necessary for success.
Anger and frustration are also highly unhelpful. While some intensity can boost
performance, uncontrolled anger can result in fouls, penalties, or strained relationships
with teammates. These emotions disrupt concentration and may escalate into conflicts
that damage team cohesion.
Overconfidence and complacency are equally dangerous. Athletes or teams who
underestimate opponents or believe effort is unnecessary risk being unprepared. This can
lead to surprising defeats and long-term setbacks. Together, these emotions are dangerous
because they cloud judgment, disrupt focus, and undermine the collective goals of a team.
Assignment Instructions:
1. What are the most dangerous, unhelpful emotions to athletes/teams? Why are they the
most dangerous?
2. Once you recognize an emotion that hurts performance, what should you do to create
an environment where you can exhibit emotions that help performance?
3. What actions that you exhibit as a coach can create the emotions that produce joy and
exhilaration or complacency and redundancy?
4. Was there ever a time that you felt ignored by your coach, based on your performance
during an athletic contest?
, Introduction
Emotions are central to athletic performance and team dynamics. While technical skill,
strategy, and physical fitness are essential, the psychological state of athletes can often
determine the outcome of competition. Positive emotions like confidence, joy, and
determination enhance performance, while negative emotions such as fear, anger, and
complacency can undermine both individual and team success. This paper explores the
most dangerous emotions in sports, strategies to foster productive emotional
environments, coaching actions that influence emotions, and a personal reflection on a
moment of feeling ignored by a coach.
Dangerous Emotions for Athletes and Teams
Certain emotions pose particular risks to athletes and teams. One of the most dangerous is
fear or anxiety. Excessive worry about mistakes or performance outcomes can lead to
hesitation, poor decision-making, and a loss of confidence. Athletes experiencing high
anxiety may freeze under pressure, misjudge plays, or withdraw from taking risks that are
necessary for success.
Anger and frustration are also highly unhelpful. While some intensity can boost
performance, uncontrolled anger can result in fouls, penalties, or strained relationships
with teammates. These emotions disrupt concentration and may escalate into conflicts
that damage team cohesion.
Overconfidence and complacency are equally dangerous. Athletes or teams who
underestimate opponents or believe effort is unnecessary risk being unprepared. This can
lead to surprising defeats and long-term setbacks. Together, these emotions are dangerous
because they cloud judgment, disrupt focus, and undermine the collective goals of a team.
