"A sequence of task-relevant thoughts and actions
which an athlete engages in systematically prior to
his or her performance of a specific skill"
(Moran,1996, p.177)
“Superstitions and Rituals control you,
while you control Routines”
Pre-Performance Routines
Pre-Performance Routine (PPR)
The moments prior to skill execution are crucial in deciding whether a performer achieves a peak performance state (Boutcher, 1990).
During this critical time researchers have advocated the use of a structured pre-performance routine (Boutcher, 1990; 1992; Lobmeyer & Wasserman, 1986; Lidor & Tenebaum, 1993).
Physical
Body language, Stretching, Body Scan, Centering, Breathing, Hydration/Nutrition
Support
- Enhance the recall of ideal physiological states
(Marlow et al., 1998)
Components of Performance
(Wrisberg, 2007)
PPR’s have consistently been shown to have a beneficial effect on performance.
Technical
Technical reminders required for certain performance e.g., grip, body position, required movements to execute task, practice movements
Support
- Act as a trigger for well learned movement patterns (Boutcher & Crews, 1987; Moran, 1996).
- Helps performers achieve behavioral and temporal consistency in their performance (Wrisberg & Penn, 1992)
* Physical skills – Required readiness to execute particular movement
Technical skills – Effective execution of a particular movement
Tactical skills – Kinds of decision-making that allow athletes to gain an advantage
Mental skills - Effective mobilization of thoughts and feelings
(see Boutcher & Crews, 1987; Boutcher & Zinsser 1990; Cohn, 1991; Cohn et al., 1990; Cotterill, 2010, 2011; Cotterill, et al., 2010, Cotterill & Hill, 2014; Crews & Boutcher, 1987; Hazell, et al., 2014; Mesagno & Mullane-Grant, 2010; Mesagno, et al. 2008; Wrisberg & Pein, 1992)
“We Are What We Repeatedly Do”
Mental
- Attentional focus cues
- Self-talk
- Relaxation
- Imagery
- Preparatory Arousal
- Anxiety Control
My Signature Technique
Support
(Bennett, 1978; Boutcher, 1992; Bunker & Rotella, 1982; Bunker & Owens, 1985; Czech, et al., 2004; Epstein, 1980; Gould, et al., 1980; Harle & Vickers, 2001; Harris & Harris, 1984; Mahoney & Avener, 1977; Nideffer, 1976; Ravizza & Rotella, 1982; Rotella, et al., 1980; Smith, 1980; Shelton & Mahoney, 1978 Weinberg, et al., 1979)
From Theory to Practice
The Simpson Performance Routine (SPR)
Thank You
PPR should be: individualized, systematic, have a generic template, flexible, include all aspects that may influence performance and be specific to the demands at that “moment”.
dsimpson@barry.edu
Software: Prezi
“Pre-performance routines probably should include all aspects that may influence performance..” (Gallucci, 2014, p. 104)
Researchers investigating the nature of PPR suggest athletes use a range of psychological strategies depending on the specific requirements and demands of the performance and that each PPR should be individualized (Cotterill, Sander, & Collins, 2010).
@SportPsychDunc
Tactical
Complete evaluation of task demands and decision on required response
Support
- Allow performers to evaluate conditions and calibrate their responses (Schack, 2002)
- Consistency is important but task demands influence duration of routine (Jackson & Baker, 2001)
- Individualization and what performers “do” & “need” is key as opposed to timing (Cotterill, 2008; Holder, 2003)
- Advocated for a generic template for the routine, based upon the psychological demands (Cotterill, 2008)
- Supports individualized approach (Shaw, 2002)
I call for the tee, set the ball up and then I'm into a routine. I think about the distance, the angle, the wind and the pitch conditions (Tactical)…I slow down my breathing by focusing from the inside (Physical)…Another part is hardening my kicking foot, which I do by tapping my left toe on the grass before I kick, usually in two sets of three taps, thus helping the foot to adopt the shape and the tension I want when I hit the ball (Physical & Technical)… I do 'centering', which is a way of channeling my power and energy from my core, just behind my navel, down my left leg and into my left foot to get that explosive power (Mental & Technical)…I visualize the flight of the ball ending up in Doris's lap (imaginary woman behind the posts), knocking the drink out of her hands (Mental)…finally, I remind myself of the importance of allowing my foot to follow through along the line of the ball for as long as possible (Technique)
Key Points
Future Research
- Investigate the efficacy of the proposed model today
- The first step is to develop a clear understanding of what function routines actually fulfill (Cotterill, 2010)
- Experimental designs should also seek to test for evidence to support the proposed functions (Cotterill, 2010).
- Use the “Simpson Performance Routine” structure (physical, technical, tactical, mental)
- Help athletes to develop a full “toolbox” for each component.
- Accept existing routines behaviors (unless maladaptive) and seek to understand why they are used (Cotterill et al., 2010; Cotterill, 2010).
- Continually reinforce and discuss progress of “new” routine.
- Attempt to establish “buy-in” from the coach(es) so they understand the new routine and reinforce.