Choking in Sports Essay Example

again before each punishment boot.

Moving on to the third day, participants had to complete the more complex task of breaking awaies under low-pressure conditions. On the fourth day, it was revealed that the punishment boots competition was unfair and needed to be replayed with breaking awaies instead.

The researchers found that choking occurred during the simple task of punishment boots but not during the more difficult task of breaking awaies. Both single-task and dual-task interventions experienced a decline in performance when faced with challenging circumstances.

However, participants who received self-consciousness preparation showed improvements in their public presentation under challenging conditions (Reeves et al., [year]). In Reeves et al.'s study, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the impact of pressure on participants. The ANOVA analysis revealed that pressure had a significant effect (F(1.31) = 32.32, p < .001). Additionally, repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate performance and perceived performance during shooting tasksThe study showed that the performance of participants was influenced by task difficulty, pressure status, and treatment. In low-pressure conditions, participants performed better in a simple task compared to high-pressure conditions. However, for the more difficult task, both low-pressure and high-pressure conditions resulted in similar performance. Additionally, there was an interaction between pressure status and treatment on performance outcomes. The dual-task treatment group experienced a decline in performance when transitioning from low- to high-pressure situations. Conversely, the self-consciousness treatment group showed an increase in performance. Moreover, the single-task intervention led to the most significant decrease in performance from low- to high-intensity situations. The text also indicates that there were notable interactions observed between skill level and intervention status. Participants with lower skill levels who received self-consciousness and dual-task

training perceived their performance as higher compared to those in the single-task condition. On the other hand, participants with high skills in the self-consciousness intervention had the lowest perception of performance compared to other interventions.

Furthermore, a significant interaction was found between pressure and intervention on perceived levels of arousal and pleasantness according to Reeves et al., [year].The study focused specifically on female soccer players in high-pressure situations. The authors acknowledged the limitations and called for further research to understand simple or complex tasks under pressure conditions and their application to other tasks. Despite these limitations, there was no significant difference in skill level among participants, with consistent results reported by both experimenters and treatment groups. Statistical analysis and ANOVA results supported monitoring theory for proceduralized skills and distraction theories for cognitive skills when explaining choking under pressure. These conclusions were supported by the data presented in the results section. The study has implications for athletes and individuals in their everyday lives. Athletes and students should be aware of the pressure they face and manage their arousal levels accordingly. Athletes facing challenging tasks under high pressure may benefit from self-consciousness training to improve performance, while students studying for difficult exams could also use self-consciousness training to achieve better grades. It is important for both athletes and students to recognize that experiencing high levels of pressure can lead to decreased performance, particularly for simple tasks.In order to achieve the best outcomes, both athletes and students are advised to reduce arousal levels and external pressures during daily tasks. In 2004, Wang conducted a study on the relationship between dispositional uneasiness, trait anxiety, and choking in sports. The study

involved sixty-six basketball players who completed the Self-Consciousness Scale and the Sport Anxiety Scale before attempting 20 free throws under low-pressure and high-pressure conditions. Results showed that participants experienced higher state anxiety levels in high-pressure situations. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses supported the hypothesis that self-conscious athletes were more prone to choking under pressure.

The text emphasizes the significance of choking in performance, citing examples such as Michael Jordan's game-winning shot and Reggie Jackson leading the Yankees. Choking can lead to poor performance and increase reliance on others for problem-solving, putting self-conscious individuals at a disadvantage when striving for optimal performance. Recent research suggests that motivation to avoid failure can predict choking under pressure.

Additionally, the text distinguishes between avoidance and approach motivation, noting that those who try to avoid failure tend to perform poorly while those who have an approach mindset usually perform better.Jordet's (2008) study discovered that elite performing artists who experience negative valency states engage in avoidance behaviors, leading to lower performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate real-world choking by focusing on penalty shootouts in soccer matches, which are high-pressure situations. Penalty shootouts, like those seen in the World Cup final, create tense moments. Previous research has shown that individuals tend to perform worse when the shot is more important due to increased stress and anxiety levels. The researchers hypothesized that individuals in negatively valenced situations would try to avoid the moment, while those with positively valenced shots would take their time to assess the goalkeeper and adequately prepare themselves. It was found that participants with negative valence quickly took their shot with their back turned towards the goalkeeper. The results of

this study revealed that approach or avoidance motivation can influence whether professional athletes choke under high-pressure situations. Jordet's (2008) research demonstrated that association football players typically exhibit avoidance behavior, resulting in a 30% decrease in successful shots compared to positively valenced shots. Contrary to previous findings suggesting that choked professionals take longer before shooting, this study discovered that athletes who shoot quickly actually perform worse. This suggests two possible scenarios: either these athletes rush their preparation and fail to focus on ball placement, leading to choking;or they can swiftly adjust their shooting technique and accurately place the ball where desired. Jordet emphasizes the need for further research to understand the connection between fear of shooting, delay in shooting, and its impact on performance. The researchers included a condition with neutral valence, which they found to be most closely associated with the negatively valenced condition. As a result, the researchers concluded that athletes in the positively valenced group excel when facing pressure situations similar to Michael Jordan. Jordan's direct confrontation of failure often led to success. Ultimately, an athlete's success and patterns depend on their acquired skills and experiences throughout their career (Dweck, 1988). Therefore, if a player consistently demonstrates stepping up and successfully making critical shots, it indicates a pattern. If someone has self-assurance, they are expected to perform better in high-pressure circumstances.

To further explore this topic, my initial approach would involve creating a model that explains the intricate reasons behind choking during tasks across different situations. This model could be utilized by educators, managers, and researchers alike to improve performance in athletes and other individuals. Another effective method for studying this phenomenon is conducting

a study involving three conditions: one where participants complete a proceduralized task; another involving a cognitive task;This design serves to analyze the interaction or distinction between procedural and cognitive elements in the task while also examining if individuals with different skill levels are more prone to choking under pressure. It is important not only to study elite athletes' tendencies but also for a personality psychologist to explore if certain traits increase or decrease the likelihood of choking in athletes. Through further research, sports psychologists can gain a better understanding of choking and potentially develop techniques to reduce its occurrence in challenging situations. These findings have the potential to enhance athletes' confidence, self-esteem, and performance during competitions.