Ep 1. Choked and Slammed

As one of the most popular shows on ESPN, Sport Science takes an in-depth look at the physical and mental aspects of sports, and its second season is no different. In the premiere episode, titled "Choked and Slammed," the team at Sport Science focuses on the impact of choking under pressure, as well as the physical toll of being slammed to the ground.

The episode begins with host John Brenkus sitting down with experienced sports psychologist Dr. Alan Goldberg to discuss the concept of choking in sports. Dr. Goldberg explains that when an athlete is in a high-pressure situation, their prefrontal cortex can become overwhelmed with thoughts of failure. This can cause them to overthink and make mistakes, leading to a catastrophic loss.

To see the effects of choking firsthand, Brenkus turns to former Wimbledon champion Michael Chang. Chang is known for his incredible mental toughness on the tennis court, but even he admits to having choked in some key matches throughout his career. Sport Science sets up a simple test for Chang, asking him to hit a tennis ball over the net and into a specific target. Chang is able to do so with ease at first, but as the pressure mounts, he begins to miss his mark. The results are both surprising and enlightening, proving that even the best athletes can be prone to choking.

Next, Sport Science examines the physical effects of being slammed to the ground by an opponent. Brenkus visits MMA gym The Pit, where he meets up with former UFC fighter Chuck Liddell. Liddell is known for his aggressive striking style, which often leads to knockouts. However, he is also well-versed in grappling and grappling defense, which is the focus of this segment.

Liddell demonstrates various techniques for avoiding being taken down and pinned to the ground, and Sport Science uses motion capture technology to analyze his movements in extreme detail. The data shows just how much force is required to slam an opponent to the ground, and how difficult it can be to avoid being taken down in the first place. It's a fascinating look at the physical limitations of both attackers and defenders in MMA.

Finally, Sport Science combines the two themes of the episode to foster an interesting discussion. Brenkus talks to professional golfers Jason Day and Stacy Lewis about the importance of mental toughness in their sport. Day recalls a key moment in his career when he missed a crucial putt, but instead of dwelling on the failure, he used it as motivation to come back stronger. Lewis, meanwhile, speaks to the pressure of constantly competing against the same small group of golfers, and how it can be mentally draining.

The episode wraps up with a summary of the key takeaways from the various segments. It's clear that both mental and physical toughness are crucial to success in sports, and that even the best athletes are susceptible to choking or getting slammed to the ground. However, with the right mindset and training, athletes can overcome these challenges and achieve greatness. It's a thought-provoking episode that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the mental and physical demands of sports.