Flow is..
holistic, intrinsically motivating sensation that people feel when they are totally involved in an activity or are on automatic pilot.
FLow model is the absorption if
intrinsic motivation
10 essential elements of flow
-Balance of challenges and skills
– Complete absorption in the activity (focus- not distracted by irrelevant things)
– Clear goals
– Merging of action and awareness
– Total concentration on the task ( focus on the present)
-Loss of self-consciousness
– A sense of control
– No goals or rewards external to the activity
– Transformation of time ( lose time in a close state)
– Effortless movement

You cant reach flow when …
you choose a level that doesnt match your skill
The more open skilled sport the ..
harder to achieve flow
What does total concentration on the task involve
purposeful attention on the task itself
not over thinking the task, allowing automatic motion patterns
hyper focus - little things will bother them
Anxiety will come from high challenge when
you dont have the skills to match it
can you control flow
- Research with athletes indicates that they cannot control flow.
- Athletes do report that they can increase the probability of flow occurring.
flow occurs naturally but cant be forced - not to try to be in flow
how to achieve flow (9)
- Be motivated to perform (maintain a balance between goals and skills).
- Achieve optimal arousal before performing.
- Maintain an appropriate focus (stay in the present, focus on key points).
- Use precompetitive and competitive plans and preparation.
- Achieve optimal physical preparation and readiness.
- Experience optimal environmental and situational conditions.
- Exhibit confidence and positive mental attitude.
- Have positive team play and interaction (positive play and shared purposes).
- Feel good about performance.
the more you think, the more you
control your movements and you will respond slower.
how do you know you are in flow
when you are accepted or satisfied with how things are going at the moment regardless of w you are actually doing achievement of flow -
What can prevent flow (14)
- Nonoptimal physical preparation and readiness
- Nonoptimal environmental or situational conditions
- Lack of confidence or a negative mental state
- Inappropriate focus
- Problem with precompetitive preparation
- Negative team play and interactions
- Lacking motivation to perform
- Nonoptimal arousal level before competition( too relaxed or not relaxed enough)
- Performance going poorly
- Problems with physical readiness or physical state
- Nonoptimal environmental and situational influences
- Doubting self and putting pressure on self
- Inappropriate focus
- Problems with team performance or interactions
Negative side to flow
a potential negative consequence might be that of contributing to dependence on an activity once associated with flow experience
runners high
some surfers were found to be addicted to the euphoric feelings the experienced and were willing to continue to surf despite family commitments, injury, or potential death
what should you tell players about flow
instead we tell them about performance on demand - but if you dont get into flow i still want your best performance. you don’t need flow
