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Treating Target Panic in Precision Sports

10 0
07.02.2024

In the realm of precision sports, athletes often grapple with an intricate challenge known as "target panic" or, as some term it, the yips. This phenomenon surfaces when elite performers, spanning from archers and basketball players to golfers and tennis pros, encounter difficulty executing their skills with accustomed precision. Delving into the complex psychology behind this enigma, we uncover that what's often labeled as panic is, in reality, an interplay of anxiety, pressure, and skill—a challenge athletes frequently avoid discussing openly.

Beyond the confines of precision sports, the dynamics of "target panic" echo in the broader arena of life. Comparable to the pressure athletes face, individuals in various professions and personal pursuits grapple with the intricate challenge of executing tasks with precision amid heightened anxiety. This resonates with anyone navigating the delicate balance between expectations and performance, from professionals making critical decisions under stress to students facing exams.

The closer individuals get to their goals, the more anxiety tends to intensify. It's a fascinating aspect of human psychology—goals create a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Still, the stress from pursuing these goals often triggers an ongoing release of cortisol, the stress hormone, and single events may enhance adrenaline. Without effective coping strategies, this physiological response can be detrimental.

Just as elite athletes must confront the interaction of anxiety, pressure, and skill, individuals in their daily lives often find themselves entangled in the complex web of emotions, expectations, and the pursuit of........

© Psychology Today


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