March Madness and the mind: Dr Michael Gerson on pressure, mistakes, and the psychology of high-stakes sport

April 3, 2026 - 23:58

As the NCAA tournament reaches its thrilling climax, the spotlight intensifies not just on physical skill but on mental fortitude. From a critical late-game turnover in a tense matchup to the overwhelming weight of expectation, the psychological demands on athletes are immense. Sport psychology expert Dr. Michael Gerson sheds light on what this unique pressure does to performers and how they can navigate it.

Dr. Gerson explains that high-stakes environments trigger a physiological stress response. The heart races, focus can narrow excessively, and the body enters a heightened state of arousal. This can lead to "choking," where finely tuned motor skills deteriorate, or to rushed decision-making, resulting in uncharacteristic mistakes. The modern athlete also faces amplified pressures from lucrative professional prospects, constant social media scrutiny, and the hopes of entire fan bases.

However, Gerson emphasizes that pressure is not inherently negative. The key lies in an athlete's response. Elite performers use psychological techniques to reframe this arousal as excitement and a challenge to embrace rather than a threat to avoid. They rely on deeply ingrained routines—from pre-shot rituals in basketball to controlled breathing before a free throw—to create a sense of familiarity and control amidst chaos. By focusing strictly on the next play, the immediate task, athletes can block out the surrounding noise and the magnitude of the moment. Ultimately, March Madness showcases that while pressure is an inescapable part of the tournament, the mind is the critical battleground where games are often won or lost before the final buzzer sounds.