Athletic performance in today’s competitive sport environment is considered the central indicator of success, and achieving superior results depends on the ability to execute skills effectively under pressure. However, research has shown that some athletes experience a decline in performance during critical competitive moments. This phenomenon is referred to as paradoxical performance, defined as performing worse despite strong motivation and effort to succeed. One of the most prominent examples of this phenomenon is choking under pressure, which can significantly reduce performance consistency and skill execution quality.



Given the disruptive impact of competitive pressure, identifying effective strategies to manage and reduce choking is essential. In this context, mindfulness training has emerged as a scientifically supported approach within sport psychology. Mindfulness emphasizes present-moment awareness, nonjudgmental acceptance of internal experiences, and attentional regulation. Empirical evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can enhance concentration, reduce anxiety, and improve both psychological and physical aspects of athletic performance.



One specialized intervention in this field is the Mindfulness Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) program, which is specifically designed to optimize performance in competitive settings. MSPE aims to cultivate attentional control, emotional regulation, and acceptance skills that may help athletes cope more effectively with pressure situations. Although prior findings highlight the positive effects of mindfulness-based interventions on athletic outcomes, the specific role of MSPE in reducing susceptibility to choking—particularly among basketball players in competitive contexts—has not yet been fully clarified. Therefore, the present study was designed to address this research gap and to examine the effectiveness of the MSPE intervention on athletes’ choking susceptibility.