Clutch (sports)

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Clutch performance in sports refers to the phenomenon where athletes excel under pressure, commonly known as "in the clutch".^[1] These moments typically occur later in the game, and involve plays that significantly impact the outcome of the game. Athletes are required to summon strength, concentration and any other qualities necessary to succeed and perform well. This phenomenon is observed in many sports including basketball, hockey, football, and esports, but the phrase is most commonly used in baseball (e.g. clutch hitter).

A contrasting phenomenon known as "choking" occurs when athletes fail to perform as needed, especially when they are not under pressure or are expected to win.^[2]

The study of clutch performance is a subject of interest in psychology and in the more specialized area of sport psychology.^[2] The term gained popularity due to repetitive use among sports commentators, particularly baseball announcers. Consequently, a portion of the academic literature is focused on baseball, more specifically on clutch hitting, and addresses the academic issue of whether it exists or not.