Choking Under Pressure

This chapter reviews current choking under pressure (“choking”) literature while offering questions to advance theory, methodology, and interventions. Although definitions of choking are elusive, psychological predictors helpful, and theoretical explanations existent, there is limited understanding of the (neuro)physiological underpinnings of choking. By using mobile recording devices, the assessment of (neuro)physiological and neuromuscular activity under pressure could shed light on choking mechanisms. Choking interventions are aimed at either promoting task-relevant attention or familiarizing performers with pressure, which improve performance under pressure but vary in their effectiveness. Thus, choking interventions could be tailored to specific sports and/or personalities. Choking can also influence an entire team, referred to as collective sport team collapse. Social factors appear to play a key role, indicating that team collapse is more than the simultaneous choking of individuals. We offer questions to advance this burgeoning field but caution that further research is needed before considering team interventions.