An Outcome- and Process-Oriented Examination of a Golf-Specific Secondary Task Strategy to Prevent Choking Under Pressure

Abstract

The present study examined a new golf-specific secondary task to prevent choking under pressure during golf putting. The study examined skilled (n = 20) and novice (n = 24) golfers on a putting task under high- and low-pressure, while carrying out either a golf-specific or an irrelevant letter generation secondary task to prevent skill-focused attention. Results revealed that both secondary tasks prevented choking under pressure in skilled golfers, but not in novices. Additionally, skilled participants displayed increased movement variability associated with improved performance during secondary task performance. These findings provide support for the viability of the new secondary task technique.