Primary Research: Observation

Observation

I also believed actually observing a team performance may be beneficial in my investigation. I observed an U16 league  match against a weaker team than themselves and also a cup semi-final match. The team I observed are based in Horsley and are in the second highest division  (west Surrey boys)

During the league game the players had a very good performance both on and off the pitch. They were all very enthusiastic and had optimal levels of arousal which also showed when performing. Their team performance was outstanding with strong communication between them and good tactics that didn't break down. They rarely missed a pass and the majority of their shots were on target. All had good technique in their skills. They won the game 4-0. When I asked one of their players about their performance they felt they had adrenaline in their system and were up for the performance. He also said he was more ready for the game as they knew comfortably win. I interpreted this as the team having an optimal level of arousal and as a result not suffering from anxiety. However, the opposing team at one point had a penalty opportunity missed so I asked the player who took it how they felt. They said they were worried they were being judged by their team and the stress of the situation was high especially as at the time the score was 0-0. I interpreted this as the player suffering evaluation apprehension which meant his anxiety levels increased and he was feeling the cognitive and somatic symptoms of this which led to him missing. 

The semi final game however was a different story. The team looked nervous even when warming up and the vibe of the team seemed lower. The opposing team was top of the premier division of the age group. It was apparent the team was over aroused as they were missing basic passes, shooting with the wrong part of the foot etc. The final result was 4-1. 

I asked the players as a group why their performance was not as strong as I previously saw. They all emphasised the pressure of the match and the want to progress to the final an the expectations they'd set of theirselves may have been unrealistic to what they could achieve. One player mentioned they'd "bottled it" and said they did not communicate well as a team or use their tactics. One said they saw their captain give up and subsequently they gave up to (social loafing.) They also expressed the fact they knew the team was of a much higher quality than their own so they were nervous which they would not be in other matches.

I believed I could use this in my research as it showed the effects of the opponent on a persons performance.