The Science Behind Choking Under Pressure Choking occurs when individuals fail to perform under pressure despite extensive practice, often due to focus issues. Distraction theories suggest that worries and irrelevant thoughts compete for attention, overwhelming the brain's limited processing capacity—especially in tasks requiring working memory. Explicit monitoring theories argue that overanalyzing automatic skills disrupts performance; this is evident in studies where athletes performed worse when focusing on mechanics rather than execution.
Strategies to Overcome Performance Anxiety To combat choking, practicing under stressful conditions can build resilience against anxiety during critical moments. Pre-performance routines like deep breaths or rhythmic movements help maintain consistency and accuracy by calming nerves. Additionally, adopting an external focus on end goals instead of internal mechanics enhances performance quality—a principle supported by research across various sports disciplines.