When the margin between victory and defeat shrinks to a single moment, some athletes seem to rise with calm precision while others unravel.

New research from the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia offers a fresh explanation for this difference, arguing that mental approach, not just technical skill, determines who shines in crunch time.

Matthew Schweickle, a doctoral candidate at UOW, has zeroed in on the elusive: “clutch performance,” the rare ability to elevate one’s game exactly when the stakes are highest. His studies sift through high-pressure moments in sport, drawing a sharp line between those who see these situations as challenges and those who interpret them as threats.

The key, Schweickle argues, lies in an athlete’s mindset. Those who view decisive moments as a chance to prove themselves and feel a sense of confidence and control are far more likely to deliver. Conversely, when athletes see the same scenario as overwhelming or fear losing control, their performance often deteriorates.

Schweickle’s work aims to arm sport psychologists and coaches with new tools to help competitors reframe high-stress moments, training them to boost confidence and maintain composure. With pressure mounting at every level of competition, the ability to unlock clutch performance could be the difference between winning and watching from the sidelines.