Joseph, who has the best free-throw percentage on the team, is fouled with 2 seconds to go in regulation time with the score tied in the conference final. Joseph is visibly nervous as he wipes his hands on his jersey walking to the foul line. Joseph misses both shots and the team must continue playing in the overtime period. What can explain Joseph's poor performance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the factors listed (shifted attention to a conscious, controlled processing system, attending to threatening task-irrelevant cues, increased muscular tension, and difficulties in coordinating movements) can contribute to poor performance in high-pressure situations like a conference final.

Joseph, Who Has the Best Free-Throw Percentage on the Team