Have you ever wondered how a rowdy crowd affects sports players’ performance? On Saturday December, 2nd at the Mullen vs. Regis boys’ basketball game there were notably excited student sections from both schools. This visibly affected players’ performances but we furthered questioned how it affected them eternally.
We talked to senior Gabe Hawkins on the part that a crowd plays “The role of the crowd, it has a big influence on the game because it brings a lot of energy”. He spoke about how a crowd can positively or negatively affect any player that lets that happen. He said that it is a mental game and “It’s just important to stay confident”. Finally he said that you should remember the work that you put into your performance, he added “Understand that your preparation has brought you where you are today”.
Senior Damaris Taylor had a different perspective he said that “it’s great it creates more tension on the court, it boosts my energy for sure”. He spoke about wanting to do well for his team but also his student section. He explained that “I like to score and I like when the crowd cheers”. This is something that improves his game and his motivation to score points. He also noted that the crowd “makes the game even louder and better”. Finally his approach to pressure to succeed he explained that “it’s tough but it’s a long season so we have time to make it up”. His positive mindset gives him the ability to try his best during games but also not let a loss get to him.
Overall we understood that a crowd generally has positive and negative affects on a team’s performance. As long as player have a good approach to this pressure however, it is much more likely that the team will succeed.