Hemispheric Functioning

General Brain Functions

Analyzer -Logical step by step

Breaks skills down into critical parts

Speech and communication

Integrator – How parts of skill fit together or are coordinated

Imagery center

Creativity skills

Emotions

Sport Specific Brain Functions

Analyzer -Important in learning new skills

It helps you make decisions when problems occur

It helps you determine if it is a mistake or a flaw

Integrator –The most important determinant of performance is a good mental picture

Integrator is programmed through imagery to carry out images flawlessly

  • High levels of emotions area usually counterproductive because they make you switch to Analyzer control
  • The Analyzer is guided by verbal self-instruction
  • The integrator relies on imagery to guide performance
  • Problem: the analyzer and integrator struggle for performance control. The analyzer usually wins
  • It is critical to sport performance to know how and when each hemisphere is used
  • Teamwork is necessary for effective analyzer-integrator control. (The analyzer sets up the integrator to score)
  • The athlete must learn when to analyze and when to integrate
  • The flow state is when the integrator totally controls performance (“react don’t think”)

Analyzer – Integrator Control Problems

Overdeveloped Analyzer (most common)

Negative self-talk – does not let the integrator take over (It is most difficult to move from the analyzer to the integrator)

Performance deteriorates because you are thinking about the sequence of the movement which distorts timing and fluidity

Over analysis tends to constantly analyze past mistakes

Negative coaching is an over analysis problem. It takes you out of the flow

When indecision occurs there is no mental blueprint (i.e. bank or swish, option play in football)

Over reliance on the integrator (club selection in golf, performing within one self)

There are times when you need to analyze like when breaking a skill down or breaking a bad habit. Try to do this during the off season and never during a competition.

Some skills require a great deal of reliance on the integrator for complete control over physiological processes (Swami, Jock Mayo)

Worry washes out the bridge between the analyzer and integrator

Self-confidence protects analyzer and integrator functioning. It makes it easier to switch back and for the between the two without second thoughts.