Trigger words
Trigger words are cue words that, through conditioning, instantly switch on a state you have trained in advance: composure, calm or fighting spirit. They are attached to the state beforehand through repetition.
Definition
A trigger word works like a psychological switch: hearing or saying it takes the athlete into a rehearsed state. Unlike technical cues, a trigger usually targets emotion and level of arousal — "steady", "explode", "my time". The link between word and state is built through training (the same idea as anchoring).
How it shows up in sport
A weightlifter growls one word before an attempt to raise arousal, while a shooter whispers "quiet" to lower it. A properly embedded trigger fires even under heavy stress, when complex mental constructions are out of reach. It is something to lean on with inconsistent results, when your state jumps from competition to competition.
Related tests
To work out which state you more often need to switch on — calming or mobilizing — assess your optimal level of arousal with the pre-competition state tests in the tests section. The assessment shows whether you burn out or under-mobilize. That is what determines the character of your trigger.
Exercises
Choose one word and pair it dozens of times with the state you are already in (during relaxation, or after a good attempt). Repeat the pairing regularly so the conditioned link takes hold. Anchoring protocols for cue words are in the exercises section.
Related terms and issues
Trigger words are the emotionally charged variety of verbal cues and part of the cueing system. They are closely tied to attentional refocusing and help with inconsistent results. Our specialists can help you anchor a word to the state you need.
FAQ
How is a trigger word different from an ordinary cue?
An ordinary cue points attention at an action, while a trigger word switches on a whole state — an emotion and a level of arousal that you have anchored through prior training.
How do I anchor a trigger word?
Say it repeatedly at moments when you are already in the state you want. In time the word itself starts to bring the state on.
Related topics
See also
When you need a personal review
If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.