The Keys to Clutch Performance, and How to Develop "Clutch" Players
We've all seen those goosebump moments in sports – a three-pointer for the win in the final few seconds of a game, a last-minute goal in double OT, a home run in the 9th inning to win the World Series.
Often referred to as CLUTCH these moments have attracted researchers looking to better understand the mechanisms underlying them, and how athletes achieve such incredible performances in high-pressure situations
In this article I will be sharing some of these insights on clutch and more specifically:
- What is clutch performance?
- How does it occur?
- What is the optimal state of mind for clutch performance?
- What skills help manage and maintain clutch?
- Theoretical and conceptual issues
- Practical applications and key takeaways
What is Clutch?
Clutch is most commonly understood as improved or elevated performance in response to high pressure situations. In a clutch performance there is an understanding of the immediacy and importance of the situational demands which results in an intentional leveling up to get the job done.
Clutch occurs in important stages of performance and usually towards the end when an outcome is imminent (i.e., overtime, last few minutes of a game, potential to qualify or achieve a personal best etc)
There are 3 primary stages of a clutch performance
Challenge appraisal
Challenge appraisal begins with the realization and assessment of the situation, which leads to awareness of the situational demands. There is an understanding of what is required, the importance of the outcome and a sense of immediacy that the time is now to make it happen
Fixed Goals
In response to this challenge - athletes set and pursue specific goals relative to the situational demands. These goals are fixed in that they are objective, measurable and often outcome focused
Decision to increase effort and intensity
There is an intentional and conscious decision to step up efforts and switch gears, which moves athletes into a clutch state
What is the optimal state of mind for clutch performance?
These are the psychological variables most commonly present during clutch performance:
- State of complete and deliberate focus
- Intense effort and heightened awareness on task demands
- Perceived sense of control
- Increased motivation: can be either intrinsic or extrinsic
- Enjoyment paradox: can be enjoyable both during and following clutch experience but can also be less enjoyable through the additional effort and heightened arousal
- Absence of negative thoughts about failure BUT not necessarily critical thoughts more generally
- Altered sensory perceptions
Outcomes of Clutch
The experience may not always be enjoyable at the time but it's rewarding on reflection. There's a sense of achievement, pride, and satisfaction in the success accomplished and also a feeling of exhaustion from the maximal effort output and use of energy
What psychological skills are used during clutch?
These are skills that can be helpful in managing and maintaining a clutch state:
- Maintaining perspective, rationalizing and setting short term goals
- Avoiding complacency
- Self-Monitoring - being disciplined
- Using positive self-talk to stay confident
- Deliberate ‘switching on' in response to challenge demands
Conceptual and Theoretical Issues
The above information provides a brief overview of clutch performance however some conceptual and theoretical issues presented in the research should also be considered including:
- Consistency of definition: there are some variations in terms of what ‘clutch' specifically refers to within the different studies – whether it's an ability, a performance, a state of mind or situation. Understanding it as a performance with specific underlying skill set and state of mind may be most effective in terms of developing a practical framework in which it can be repeated or improved.
- How to measure: measurement of pressure and elevated performance may provide difficult as these variables can have both objective and subjective components.
- Meaning of success: questions can be raised regarding what sufficiently qualifies as ‘success' in order to be ‘clutch' and suggestions have been made to shift towards framing outcomes as ‘positive' performances, which can therefore broaden the scope to include those that are increased as well as successful.
- Interaction with flow state: flow is another state of mind underlying optimal performance in sport that can sometimes occur within performances, which may also be clutch. Researchers are currently looking at creating an integrated framework and scale of both to better explain and understand the possible interaction and overlap between the two.
Practical Applications
While there's more work to be done in this area I think there are some beneficial and practical takeaways that can be helpful for athletes in developing skills to prepare them to better execute in high pressure situations and experience these types of clutch performances.
The optimal state of mind underlying clutch performance involves conscious processing, maximal effort and a deliberate increase in intensity and concentration. With this heightened awareness of immediacy and importance of outcome the associated response to pressure is facilitative rather than debilitative to performance.
Off-ice or On-Ice Games
One possible way we can help coach these facilitative responses is by providing space for athletes to practice or train in higher pressure situations. For example, try creating an off-ice or on-ice challenge or game in order to work on their ‘clutch' skills by learning to stay focused, setting fixed goals, using positive-self talk, building confidence in their abilities and reframing challenges as opportunities to get better.
Supportive Environments
Another way we can help athletes is through the dynamic of the environment in which they train, practice and play. Making environments where they can be themselves, feel supported in their work effort, competent in their skill sets and capacity to improve can further build a foundation for clutch performances to occur.
Self-Reflection and Journaling
Active-self reflection with journaling is an additional tool that can be beneficial for athletes in being able to understand themselves and what helps them perform optimally. Identifying the patterns, behaviors, and states of mind in their own performances and day-to-day life that are conducive to success (and those that aren't) can be a powerful self-regulating feedback loop that builds more positive habits which are aligned with the goals they have.
Keep in mind that all athletes are different and the things that are helpful for one may not be as helpful to another. Getting to know your athletes, encouraging your athletes to better know themselves, offering resources when needed and consistently reflecting on what works is likely the most effective approach to finding the best strategy for them.
References:
- Performing under pressure: Exploring the psychological state underlying clutch performance in sport, Journal of Sports Sciences, 35 (23), 2272-2280. (2017)
- Psychological States Underlying Excellent Performance in Sport: Toward an Integrated Model of Flow and Clutch States, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 29(4), 375–40 (2017)
- Clutch performance in sport and exercise: a systematic review, International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology (2020)
About Allie:
Allie is the Founder and Coach at Moto Athletic and works with athletes and teams to maximize potential and achieve their goals from amateur to the pros in the NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL and more. She specializes in movement, mindset, rhythm and empowering others to discover and optimize their unique abilities in sports, business and daily life. A former competitive athlete, Allie received her BA in Philosophy from McMaster University and JD from Western Law with a focus on dispute resolution in sport and athlete advocacy.
Instagram: @motoathletic @alliebendus
Twitter: @alliebendus
Appendix: Examples of ‘Clutch' Performance
Jalen Suggs Game-Winner Buzzer Beater NCAA March Madness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3LuhZOFn8
Alec Martinez wins the 2014 Stanley Cup for Los Angeles Kings in 2OT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4SVih8Rn5Y
Chen Aisen wins Men's 10m Platform Diving Gold Rio 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL8ZEdTQkVQ
Kawhi Leonard Sends Philadelphia 76ers Home With Epic Buzzer-Beater in Game 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CROx4XvLJTk
Joe Carter wins 1993 World Series with homer
