Characteristics of Polar Opposites: An Exploratory Investigation of Choking-Resistant and Choking-Susceptible Athletes

The current research provides an assessment of performance under pressure by deliberately investigating responses of athletes who are polar opposite. Forty-six female netball players were screened to sample choking-resistant and choking-susceptible athletes. The eight selected participants then completed 180 netball shots in a single-case A1-B-A2 design (A phases = low-pressure and B phase = high-pressure), with follow-up interviews. Under pressure, choking-resistant participants improved their performance by using task-focus and avoidance-cognitive coping, whereas choking-susceptible participants suffered from performance decrements often applying emotion-focused and approach-cognitive coping. Researchers should further explore the unique characteristics of choking-resistant athletes.