Athletes must be able to successfully manage the pressure to perform if they are to excel, rather than choke, under pressure.
Resources:
The following resources will explore where pressure comes from, what it means to choke under pressure and how a choke performance occurs. They also feature research-based strategies for coaches to implement to help athletes manage this pressure to perform and prevent choking. It is recommended that you should start by reading the infographic, which contains core recommendations. You should then read the summary sheet and watch the video presentation, which contains more detailed information.
I’d like to extend my thanks to Alice Points and Amelia Hooper for their valuable resources.
Additional resources:
Below is a case study regarding how a coach peer helps their athletes manage performance pressure. Coach Iain Aberdeen, Head Coach of the Newcastle University fencing teams, has provided insights into techniques he uses with his athletes, both in training and in competitions, to help them manage the pressure to perform. These techniques are mapped onto existing research to provide an in-depth guide that covers how the technique can be used in practice, its benefits, and how it can be adapted to different sports.
