Can Hurt Your Performance by Joseph K. Mintah Anger from frustration or failure can have a negative effect on performance. For example, a soccer player who has been held by an opponent might become angry and attempt to retaliate by taking a swing at the opponent.
Retaliation causes an automatic shift of attentional focus from the game to the opponent.
Another scenario is a basketball player who is fouled, but receives no call from the officials. If the fouled player thinks of retaliating, concentration breaks and performance drops. Athletes, in general, should learn one or more concentration strategies to either prevent a break in concentration or help them refocus when concentration breaks. They help athletes narrow attentional focus when necessary. Cues are also useful when varying or changing a movement pattern, breaking a bad habit, or regaining concentration.