Classroom Questions

Questions for ‘How not to choke when performing under pressure’ 

a male soccer player kicking a ball towards the goal during a game

Few things may trigger performance anxiety like having thousands of fans’ eyes on you. Even the best athletes, musicians and others can choke under this pressure. But sports psychologists have tips for improving your chance of success.

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By Science News Explores

To accompany ‘How not to choke when performing under pressure’

SCIENCE

Before Reading:

  1. “I perform best under pressure.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain your answer.
  2. Describe a time that you needed to perform under pressure. What kind of pressure were you working under? For instance, was it a time limit? An audience? A competitive drive for perfection? Describe one physical difference you feel when working under pressure vs. not under pressure. Describe one mental difference you notice when working under pressure vs. not under pressure.

During Reading:

  1. Which two countries competed in the 2022 World Cup final? Who won?
  2. At soccer’s “elite level,” about what percentage of penalty kicks lead to goals?
  3. Describe the relationship Geir Jordet and his team observed between the stakes resting on the outcome of a penalty kick and the chances of scoring on that kick.
  4. Sports psychologists say one reason for this relationship is “overthinking” by the athletes. Explain what this means in the context of the story.
  5. What is a second reason for this relationship, according to sports psychologists?
  6. England’s national soccer team developed a reputation as a high-performing team, though it had one notable weak spot. What was this reputed weak spot? To what extent did evidence support this reputation?
  7. In a study from Bournemouth University, how did knowledge of a reputation affect players’ performance?
  8. Describe one behavior that Jordet looks for when reviewing penalty kick footage as a possible indicator of anxiety.
  9. What soccer position did Emi Martinez play during the 2022 World Cup? Which team was he playing for?
  10. Give a specific example of how a player might apply a routine to reduce worry and distraction during a penalty kick shoot-out.

After Reading:

  1. Researchers note that the types of strategies elite athletes apply to improve penalty kicks can also help people in daily life. List two examples of non-sports scenarios in which adopting a routine might help reduce performance anxiety. For one of these scenarios, come up with a list of three specific things that the individual might incorporate into their routine. (Consider situations from your own life, or look through the story for inspiration.)
  2. Imagine your best friend is experiencing performance anxiety for an upcoming event. Give an example of what this event might be. Then, write out what you might say to them to improve their chances of performing well. Write this as a dialog with the exact words you might say, rather than just summarizing the gist of your message.