Maximizing performance under pressure: A comprehensive multidisciplinary procedure for individualizing pressure training in elite sport

Pressure training is typically designed to improve elite performers’ performance by systematically introducing pressure in a controlled training environment. However, such training is typically generic whereas elite performers are individuals with individual performance needs. In this study, we investigated the potential benefits of a novel individualized intervention utilizing a comprehensive multidisciplinary profiling procedure, incorporating self-report, informant information, observation, and psychophysiological testing, compared to generic pressure training. English County cricketers either received individualized interventions designed to maximize performance under pressure (n = 17) or participated in generic pressure training (n = 19), during a full cricket season. We collected data for 20-Over, 50-Over, and Championship formats. MANCOVAs revealed that the intervention group performed significantly better than the traditional pressure training control group at post-test, for the 20-Over and 50-Over formats. The findings provide the first evidence for the effectiveness of an individualized multidisciplinary profiling procedure for maximizing performance under pressure.