Analysis of the impact of pressure on performance among professional darts players

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine whether and to what extent increased levels of pressure affect the performance quality of the world’s top darts players. This investigation contributes to the understanding of the psychological factors that influence performance in professional darts and in professional sports overall. Data was collected from over sixty professional tournaments held over a period of two years. The players were divided into 5 groups based on the quality of their performance during the studied period. The point values were divided into 7 groups, where the criterion was the difficulty of finishing the leg at a given score. The level of pressure was primarily determined by the opponent’s score situation in a given moment. Data analysis using statistical methods such as tests of proportions and the Cochran-Armitage test did not indicate any statistically significant impacts of pressure on performance among professional players – neither positive nor negative. The results indicate a high level of mental resilience among professional darts players.