Lack of mental coach at WC can put 'unnecessary pressure' on Proteas, claims expert

A Psychology professor has claimed that confidence is a function of memory, and believes South Africa's decision of not to take a mental coach to the Cricket World Cup 2015 could put unnecessary pressure on the squad.

Professor Pieter Kruger, Head of the Institute of Psychology and Wellbeing at the North West University, believes that a lack of mental coach could also put unnecessary extra pressure on skipper AB De Villiers.

Over the years, the South Africans have developed a reputation of chokers after consistently failing to perform well in important World Cup knockout games, Sport24 reported.

Kruger claimed that confidence is a function of memory, therefore, he added that previous experiences, which they call 'social heritage', could have a major impact on an individual or group's performances.

Even though not every member of the current South African squad has played in a World Cup, Kruger believes that the team shares a certain type of bond with teams of the past. He said that ninety percent of the time things normally run smoothly.

However, Kruger added that things change during that final 10 percent in the critical moments when the memory of previous failures most likely kicks in.

The professor claimed that under high pressure situations, the brain's limbic system activates the 'stress hormone' cortisol, which can have a direct negative impact on motor skills, as it activates the 'fight or flight response' which could negatively impact a player's focus, emotions and execution.

Kruger insisted that it is here where 'choking' occurs when negative emotions and thought of previous bad experiences start dominating ones thoughts.

Kruger said that he was impressed by De Villiers, but said that the skipper would be placed under immense pressure at the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Kruger said that De Villiers' role as captain would be critical to South Africa's success because the skipper is in charge of executing several communication processes to help the players to focus on their process goals.