Ive been having an argument with someone, and I cant understand how a team can 'choke'.
I fully understand an invividual can, as the pressure mounts at the end of a tennis match (ie Jana Navotna!), things can go skewiff and there is little other explination than choking.
However, a team is made up of 22 players, and at the end of a close game or whatever, the difference in players will always come out. For example, more often than not an experienced player will play better than a rookie when it comes down to the wire. A rookie may struggle with that pressure, but others wouldnt. If he does, does that mean you can lable the 'team' as choking?
Take Ess v Carl about 7 years ago, when Stix missed it all to win Carlscum the game. He may have choked under that pressure (he would have AT LEAST scored about 98/100 kicks from there). IF he did, does that mean Carlton choked? no it doesnt.
Did Footscray choke in that final against Adelaide? I say no, credit has to be given to Adelaide (esp. Jarman) who finished off the game better. Maybe a few footscray players struggled with the extra pressure, but it is rare that all players on a team play well at the same time.
Individuals can choke, no doubt - but I struggle to see how a team can be said to have choked.
I fully understand an invividual can, as the pressure mounts at the end of a tennis match (ie Jana Navotna!), things can go skewiff and there is little other explination than choking.
However, a team is made up of 22 players, and at the end of a close game or whatever, the difference in players will always come out. For example, more often than not an experienced player will play better than a rookie when it comes down to the wire. A rookie may struggle with that pressure, but others wouldnt. If he does, does that mean you can lable the 'team' as choking?
Take Ess v Carl about 7 years ago, when Stix missed it all to win Carlscum the game. He may have choked under that pressure (he would have AT LEAST scored about 98/100 kicks from there). IF he did, does that mean Carlton choked? no it doesnt.
Did Footscray choke in that final against Adelaide? I say no, credit has to be given to Adelaide (esp. Jarman) who finished off the game better. Maybe a few footscray players struggled with the extra pressure, but it is rare that all players on a team play well at the same time.
Individuals can choke, no doubt - but I struggle to see how a team can be said to have choked.