The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog, comes as James Wade blows a winning opportunity against World Champion Adrian Lewis, in the Worlds Darts Championships.
Sports Psychology: James Wade - The Elusive World Title!
It's the second semi-final of the World Darts Championships in London. And James Wade is cruising against Adrian Lewis. Five sets to one to the good and looking concentrated and focused. Surely 'The Machine' will go on to Monday's final, and perhaps secure his first World Title.
But no. The champion comes roaring back at him, and Wade's grip on the match slips. From a position of dominance, suddenly Wade cant win a leg and his title dreams lie in tatters.
It's a remarkable comeback from Lewis. But even more remarkable, is how Wade loses his grip on a match that he had under total control.
Is James Wade the Colin Montgomerie of darts? The nearly man when it comes to the big prize. Not let down by talent. But by a subtle psychological flaw, that reveals itself in the tournament that matters the most.
It would have been easier for James Wade if he had been 5-1 down in this epic semi-final. Then he could have thrown with nothing to lose, and without fear. But at 5-1 he had a score to defend. One set away from his first world final. 'Don't blow it now!'.
It leads to caution and defensiveness. Or a weakness in concentration thinking the match is already won. Knowing that you have taken your opponents best shots. You can smell victory. You have done the hard work.
Thus the dynamic of the match changes. Lewis throws without inhibition. Wade's concentration and intensity drifts. And then it's too late to change the momentum. The champion has his belief back. And for Wade it's a case of 'here we go again'. The familiar pattern of under-performance at the Worlds holds sway.
James Wade knows that people are talking about him, as the best player never to win the World Title. After a while it becomes a mantra. And with Phil Taylor leaving the event in Round Two, the pressure this time was even greater. And where there is pressure, unresolved habits and psychological patterns reveal themselves.
Of course James Wade is good enough to win the title. But talent without mental strength is not enough. Wade has to address his psychological flaws, if he is to overcome the mantle of major under-achiever.
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