Pressure Performance in Neuro- and Cognitive Sciences: A Focus on Athletes #

1. Summary
2. Pressure and Performance: A Neurocognitive Perspective
3. Example: A Table Tennis Player under Pressure
4. Strategies for Overcoming Pressure

1. Summary #

This essay examines the neurocognitive aspects of performance under pressure, specifically in sports. We discuss the concept of "choking under pressure", the shift of focus to motor skills under high pressure, and how the prioritization of the prefrontal cortex could be suboptimal. The essay also provides strategies to overcome this pressure, including automation of motor skills and specific relaxation techniques.

2. Pressure and Performance: A Neurocognitive Perspective #

Performance under pressure is a complex phenomenon, deeply rooted in the neurocognitive aspects of human behavior. When we talk about "choking under pressure", we are referring to a scenario where high levels of stress lead to a decrease in performance. This can happen despite the individual's high skill level and usually occurs in high-stakes situations.

Pressure can cause an unwanted shift of focus towards aspects that usually run on autopilot. This shift can lead to a breakdown in the execution of practiced skills, as the individual suddenly becomes overly conscious about these activities, interfering with their smooth execution. Neurologically, it is believed that the brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for the conscious monitoring of actions, becomes over-engaged. This leads to an increased focus on motor skills, causing a shift from an unconscious, automated execution to a more deliberate, slower, and less efficient one.

3. Example: A Table Tennis Player under Pressure #

Let's consider a professional table tennis player participating in a high-stakes competition. Table tennis requires swift reaction times, anticipatory thinking, and precise, automated movements. Under pressure, this player might find their focus shifting from the strategic monitoring of the game to the specific movements of their strokes. This is a clear case of concentration on the elements of the game at the expense of the bigger overall picture.

In this context, the prioritization of the prefrontal cortex might seem clumsy. This part of the brain is not designed for fast, intuitive reactions required by the game. Instead, it provides conscious, analytical control that proves to be too slow and cumbersome when every fraction of a second counts. Despite its ability to create a complex "map" of reality, the prefrontal cortex proves less suitable for quick, instinctive decision-making at this moment.

4. Strategies for Overcoming Pressure #

There are various strategies for dealing with pressure. One important approach is to automate movement patterns through practice and repetition, making them require less conscious control. In this case, the athlete would aim to achieve a "flow state", acting intuitively rather than consciously monitoring every action.

Similarly, an athlete can employ conscious relaxation techniques to reduce pressure. An example would be controlled breathing, where the athlete consciously lengthens their exhale. This could trigger a calming response in the body and reduce stress. Another example would be to use the moment when the ball is brought back into play: the athlete could consciously take their time and retrieve the ball in a slow but purposeful manner, rather than rushing. This could serve as a brief method of connecting with the moment and focusing on the task at hand.