How Do Emotions Impact Athletic Performance?

Emotions play a huge role in sports, affecting athletes physically, mentally, and in their overall performance.

Have you ever lost focus because of a bad referee call?

Understanding and managing emotions can help you perform at your best. Everyone experiences emotions in sport – from excitement and pride to frustration and disappointment.

Emotions vary in intensity – for example, frustration over a mistake might range from mild annoyance to complete outbursts. Emotions affect your body – intense emotions can speed up your heart rate, tighten muscles, and disrupt your breathing. Emotions affect your mind – frustration can cloud your focus, lower confidence, and lead to negative thoughts.

Emotions impact performance – they can slow reaction times, compromise decision-making, and cause mistakes.

Emotions are within your control – while you can’t avoid challenges, you can choose how to respond.

For example, reacting to a bad call with frustration may lead to further mistakes, but taking a deep breath and refocusing can help you regain composure and keep playing effectively.

Top athletes understand the importance of managing emotions. WNBA player Caitlin Clark admitted that a technical foul caused by frustration cost her team momentum in a game. She later reflected, “The technical… can’t undo that. It’s out of your control. Focus on what you can control.” Emotions and focus go hand in hand—master them, and you’ll perform at your best.