Exploring Performance Under Pressure: Book Launch features AFL experts

New book by Ger Post (Dept of Anatomy & Physiology), looks at what we can learn from athletes about thriving when under pressure.

Image: Ger Post

Performing in the decisive moment is key, especially in sport. The difference between who excels and who succumbs to pressure, or chokes, is literally game-changing.

(Melbourne University Publishing)

In his book, Ger Post combines statistics, philosophy and neuropsychology insights and shows that the secrets of famous performances and high-level achievement is about doing what is right and smart, regardless of how we feel at that moment. The difference between losing and winning is about our response to adversity and by focusing on the things we can control.

How far can science take us in preparing for high-pressure moments in elite sport like the AFL?

The book's launch brought together experts from sport and science to explore what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure moments.

Ger Post was joined in conversation by Damian Farrow, Football Innovation Manager at the AFL and Professor of Sports Science, and Ashley Hansen, former AFL player and current Assistant Coach at Carlton. There were thought-provoking questions from the audience and robust discussions on performing in high pressure environments.

Image: Ger Post in conversation

Other highlights were insights from Carlton and what they learned from Collingwood about social connections under pressure, and how the University of Melbourne’s VR lab is helping musicians - and potentially AFL players – to train their minds for high-stakes situations. The conversation also touched on elite climber Alex Honnold, the impact of social media on AFL players, and the science behind staying calm when it counts.

The event left attendees with a deeper appreciation of how far science can take us in preparing for pressure - and how much more there is to learn.

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