Picture the scenario, if you want.
You’re at the big one, playing Madison Square Garden. You’re in front of a sold-out crowd, thousands of people chanting your name, with half of them wanting you to choke and the other eager to see you deliver the goods. You’re down to the last few seconds of the game and you can feel yourself buckling under the pressure. Then, just as you see the perfect opening you can exploit to land that right cross, take him down for the count, and grab the championship, you choke. Your performance anxiety gets the better of you and you choke. You pass on the opportunity and, for just a split second, leave yourself open. It isn’t much of a window, but you’re up against an experienced hitter, and he takes the shot. A split second later, you’re out.
It is far from pleasant, but for some boxers, this is a harsh and real possibility. The slightest opening you afford your opponent can result in you being taken down for the count. However, boxers aren’t the only ones that end up in this sort of situation. Athletes will always experience a certain degree of nervousness while playing, though the reasons may...