What is cognitive reappraisal, and when is it used in sport?

• A. A training method to improve physical strength.
• B. Reframing a situation to alter its emotional impact; used to reduce pre-performance anxiety and maintain composure.
• C. A diet strategy for recovery.
• D. A technique to increase motor speed through repetition.

Answer: (B)

Cognitive reappraisal is an emotion regulation technique that involves reframing the meaning of a situation to change its emotional impact. In sport, athletes use this approach to reduce pre-performance anxiety and maintain composure. By shifting how they interpret the upcoming performance—from a threat to a challenge, or by focusing on controllable aspects like technique, process, or preparation—the athlete can lower arousal to an optimal level, improve focus, and make clearer decisions under pressure.

For example, a player who feels jittery before a critical serve can reinterpret the moment as an opportunity to execute a well-practiced skill, remind themselves of successful past performances, or focus on aspects they can control rather than the outcome. This mental shift helps prevent the anxious gasping of fear from overpowering concentration.

This approach is used before and during competition when emotions risk undermining performance. It’s not about building physical strength, changing diet, or speeding up motor movements through repetition, which are separate domains of training focused on physique, nutrition, or technique.