Explains performance failure via conscious control of automatic, well-learned physical movements.

Suggests performance peaks at a moderate level of arousal and declines thereafter.

Proposes a linear relationship where higher arousal always leads to better performance.

Predicts a dramatic performance drop when high cognitive anxiety meets excessive physiological arousal.

High arousal narrows focus, causing athletes to miss important peripheral cues.

An acute, significant decrement in performance that occurs under high pressure.

Posits that athletes have unique, individualized bandwidths of state anxiety for peak performance.