Learn how athletes can stop choking under pressure by exploring theories like reinvestment theory and attentional control. Discover effective strategies such as maintaining focus and practicing meditation. Also, find out how feeling prepared and having a training plan can reduce pressure and increase confidence.
Reinvestment theory explains how individuals revert back to a basic stage of learning under pressure, resulting in conscious and clunky movements, but can be overcome with holistic process goals.
Attentional control is crucial in maintaining focus on task-relevant factors under pressure, and can be improved through meditation practices to quickly refocus and build attentional skills.
Deep dives
Reinvestment Theory: Moving back to an earlier stage of learning under pressure
Under pressure, individuals may experience reinvestment theory, where they revert back to an earlier stage of learning. This phenomenon can be observed in various fields, such as driving a car. Initially, when learning to drive, one is conscious of every movement made. However, with years of experience, driving becomes automatic and effortless. When faced with pressure, individuals may become conscious and clunky in their movements, unable to perform fluidly. Overcoming reinvestment theory can be achieved through the use of holistic process goals, where technical cues are distilled into one word, reminding individuals of the necessary movements without overwhelming conscious thought.
Attentional Control: Focusing on task-relevant cues under pressure
Attentional control refers to the ability to maintain focus on task-relevant factors while under pressure. Often, individuals start to focus on irrelevant details, such as the crowd or the environment, detracting from the task at hand. This phenomenon can be detrimental in various activities, like tennis, where attention needs to be on the ball. Meditation practices can be beneficial in improving attentional control. By noticing distractions and quickly refocusing on task-relevant factors, individuals can build their attentional skills and maintain concentration.
Ironic Effects: Focusing on what you want to do, not what you don't
Ironic effects occur when individuals focus on negative outcomes and end up performing the very action they wish to avoid. To overcome this, individuals should emphasize what they want to do instead. Creating a mantra, visualizing desired outcomes, or engaging in positive self-talk can shift the focus from the negative to the positive, increasing the chances of achieving the desired outcome under pressure. It is important to have a plan, practice under pressure, and build confidence and reduce anxiety to perform well in high-pressure situations.
On today’s episode, Lewis dissects 3 ways for athletes to stop choking under pressure during a game. He will also identify three theories as to what causes athletes to lose their focus or stumble during a game.
[02:53] Identifying Pressure due to Anxiety
[03:52] 3 Theories that Cause Pressure
[04:08] Reinvestment Theory
[06:25] Solution to Reinvestment Theory
[11:34] Attentional Control
[12:46] Solution for Attentional Control
[14:20] Ironic Effects
[15:08] Overcoming Ironic Effects
[16:03] Summary and conclusion
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