Associations between shooting performance and challenge and threat

Purpose of Study: Several studies have examined challenge and threat via specific cardiovascular parameters in relation to sporting performance. However, limited evidence exists that utilises self-report measures of challenge and threat and the impact upon sport performance. The aim of this study was to examine self-report of challenge and threat and its association with shooting performance. Methodology: One hundred and two participants (Mean age=26.82, SD=10.01) were recruited for the study. A quasi-experimental study was implemented to explore the association between self-report measures of challenge and threat and its relationship with shooting performance. Cardiovascular (CV) parameters recorded during the experiment included cardiac output and total peripheral resistance due to their association with challenge and threat. Results: There was a significant proportion of variance accounted for by challenge and shooting performance (R²=.42, p<0.05). As challenge report increased, shooting performance decreased (ß=-.204, p<0.05). Moreover, when challenge and threat patterns were examined, the analysis indicated that moderate challenge/low threat had a more facilitative performance in the shooting task (Mean=7.96, SD=1.49) compared to all of the other combinations of challenge and threat patterns. In regard to CV measures, there was no significant associations observed between challenge and threat or shooting performance (p