Mental Exercises for High-Pressure Situations (Newsela)

What is Ashley Hatch's role in professional soccer?

• Midfielder

• Defender

• Goalkeeper

• Forward

What is the NWSL Golden Boot award given for?

• Most assists in a season

• Best goalkeeper in the league

• Top regular season scorer

• Most clean sheets in a season

How does stress affect the body?

• Slows down heart rate

• Increases breathing rate

• Improves concentration

• Enhances physical strength

Which breathing technique does Ashley Hatch use to find calm?

• Sigh breath

• Rapid breath

• Shallow breath

• Hyperventilation

What does Ashley Hatch mean when she says, "When my mind's right, I feel like I can push through hard times, and I can play even better"?

• She performs better when she is mentally prepared

• She performs better when she is physically fit

• She performs better when she has more fans cheering for her

• She performs better when she is under less pressure

How does the sigh breath technique work?

• Inhale deeply and exhale slowly

• Inhale quickly and exhale forcefully

• Inhale and hold breath for as long as possible

• Inhale and exhale in short, rapid bursts

What is the box breathing technique?

• Inhale for four seconds, exhale for four seconds

• Inhale for four seconds, hold breath for four seconds

• Inhale for four seconds, exhale for eight seconds

• Inhale for eight seconds, hold breath for four seconds

Why do players need to find calm in high-pressure situations?

• To increase their heart rate

• To improve their breathing rate

• To enhance their focus and concentration

• To increase their physical strength

What is the purpose of mental exercises for professional soccer players like Ashley Hatch?

• To improve their physical fitness

• To reduce stress and anxiety

• To increase their speed and agility

• To enhance their teamwork skills

How does mental preparation help Ashley Hatch before a penalty kick?

• It guarantees a goal every time

• It helps her feel more in control

• It increases her heart rate

• It decreases her breathing rate