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Impact of emotional factors on performanceImpact of criticism on performance

Emotional factors refer to the range of different emotions you experience during participation in sport. Some of these emotions can be positive, others negative, and some can even be controlled to move from negative to positive.

Part of Physical EducationFactors impacting on performance

Impact of criticism on performance

Another situation that can cause anger is when someone criticises you. Some coaches do this deliberately as part of their man-management techniques; they know certain individuals respond better to criticism because it actually motivates them to prove their coach wrong.

For example, Rafael Nadal has described the criticism he received from his coach, his uncle Toni Nadal.

From a young age, Nadal was criticised by Toni: Toni was tough on me right from the start, tougher than on the other children.

While Rafael has noted that this criticism can cause insecurity, he also appreciates it can be positive: Toni’s refusal to let me off the hook has its value, in that he pushes me always to improve and do better

Question

Using the 3-step process, how might anger from criticism impact performance in tennis?

Rafael Nadal training with his Uncle Toni
Image caption,
Rafael Nadal's coach, his Uncle Toni, would constantly criticise his performance as a way of motivating him to improve.