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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

Optimal Focus theory, sport performance under pressure, choking

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Our study sought to add to the current literature on the explicit monitoring and distraction theories. We have created a theory known as the Optimal Focus Theory. This theory states that choking can be avoided and performance under pressure will improve if athletes achieve the right amount of focus. Rather than over-focusing, such as the explicit monitoring theory suggests, or being distracted by irrelevant stimuli, as the distraction theory purports, the Optimal Focus Theory calls for a balance of focus. We aimed to study subjects’ anxiety, perceived control, and sport confidence as they shot free throws in a pressure situation. We hypothesized that the Optimal Focus intervention would improve free-throw shooting performance under pressure.

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