Is a motivational address by a psychologist or sport champion a useful pre-competition strategy?
‘Pep talks’ are generally intended to energise competitors, and appeal to their loyalty to the organization they represent. They can create a number of problems. They tend to follow a predicable pattern, and competitors of mature age are less influenced by them. Competitors may already be optimally aroused before any pep talk. Although mentally tough, competitive bowling is not a heroic sport requiring maximal speed, power, strength, etc and ‘heady’ over-arousal may result. They are no substitute for adequate preparation and coaching.
