Glossary
The mental performance glossary
Plain-English definitions of the key terms in sport psychology and mental performance — with links to learn how to train each one.
Arousal Regulation The skill of controlling your level of physiological and mental activation to reach and maintain your optimal state for performance. Athlete Burnout A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overtraining without adequate recovery. Attentional Narrowing The tendency for high arousal or stress to shrink an athlete’s field of attention, causing them to miss relevant cues and options. Choking (Under Pressure) A sudden, significant drop in performance under pressure, where an athlete performs well below their normal ability at a crucial moment. Confidence Bank A deliberately maintained record of an athlete’s past successes, strengths, and pressure performances, drawn on to rebuild belief when confidence dips. Cue Word A short, rehearsed trigger phrase that an athlete uses to direct focus or summon a desired mental state in the moment. Flow State A mental state of complete, energized absorption in an activity, where performance feels effortless and self-consciousness disappears — often called being "in the zone." Growth Mindset The belief that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence, rather than being fixed traits you're simply born with. Inverted-U Hypothesis The model describing how performance improves with arousal up to an optimal point, then declines as arousal becomes too high. Mental Block A psychological barrier that prevents an athlete from performing a skill they are physically capable of, often driven by fear or anxiety. Mental Toughness The capacity to consistently perform near your best regardless of competitive circumstances, pressure, or adversity. Performance Anxiety Excessive nervousness or fear before or during competition that interferes with an athlete’s ability to perform at their normal level. Pre-Performance Routine A consistent sequence of thoughts and actions performed before executing a skill or competing, designed to prime an optimal performance state. Resilience An athlete's capacity to recover from setbacks, adapt to adversity, and return to strong performance after difficulty. Self-Efficacy An athlete's belief in their ability to execute a specific task or skill successfully — the task-specific foundation of confidence. Self-Talk The internal dialogue an athlete carries during training and competition, which shapes emotion, attention, and effort. The Yips An involuntary loss of fine motor control during a normally automatic sporting movement, often linked to anxiety and over-conscious control. Tilt A state of emotional frustration — common in esports — that degrades decision-making and performance after setbacks. Visualization (Mental Imagery) The deliberate practice of creating or recreating vivid, multi-sensory sporting experiences in the mind to rehearse and prepare for performance. Zone of Optimal Functioning The individualized range of arousal and emotional intensity within which a particular athlete performs at their best.