Thinking Correctly Under Pressure – or T-CUP – was popularized by Sir Clive Woodward the former England Rugby Union head coach. He spoke often about big moments in sport, and that those competitors who could master T-CUP were the difference makers. I wrote about his thoughts on this subject in my Best Selling award winning book The Vital Edge. Check it out for more, on this, and other fascinating lessons from sport.
One of the most dramatic examples of what he was getting at (although it seems that his misunderstanding of basketball rules meant his example was actually wrongly described) is demonstrated in a brilliant clip of the final second of a basketball game between two U.S. College teams. The scores were tied at 88 apiece in overtime, with only 0.6 seconds left on the clock, when one of the teams was awarded two free throws. The first free throw was successful, making the score 89-88, with one throw remaining. Now, this should have been the game won. All the team that was in the lead by a point had to do was, either score the second free throw, or ensure that the remaining 0.6 seconds were quickly eaten up should they miss.
One hugely alert member of the defending team, Jordan Snipes, had other ideas, and demonstrated a phenomenal level of T-CUP. The ball rebounded from the rim of the basket, allowing our super alert player, Snipes, to capture the ball and hurl it the full length of the court, all in one motion. The rules of basketball are such that, even if the end of game buzzer sounds, the game does not end until a ball that is in the air hits the ground. The ball in this moment travelled over 85 feet and landed on the court, after passing cleanly through the basket at the other end of the court for a 3 point score, meaning his team had won 91-89.
“The Shot” is widely considered one of the greatest in NCAA history. The result was turned on its head in an instant by the clear thinking of one player who anticipated the ball rebounding from the rim, and knew exactly what he had to do as soon as he recovered possession of the ball. It was a thoroughly compelling moment. I urge you to watch this video as it is one of those moments in sport that is fascinating, magical and tragic all in the same split second.
I suspect the thrower was giving absolutely no thought whatsoever to the possibility of what was about to unfold, just a second later. His teammates and coach did not step in and whisper any instruction either, so we must assume they too had no premonition of the imminent turnaround that was about to happen. I imagine the thrower was preparing to enjoy the sweet scent of victory. Mentally, he had already crossed the finishing line. His previous throw, had surely sealed the deal, and this second throw was simply ceremonial. It was the cherry on top and he was about to embrace his teammates in a dance of celebration. Instead, as you can see from the video, he and his teammates stand around in disbelief, and it is Snipes, and his team, who explode into wild celebration.
A great moment in sport, I’m sure you will agree. But how often does it take T-CUP in big moments to produce them. What big T-CUP moments do you recall, whether in sport, or elsewhere in your life? Feel free to share any T-CUP moments in the comments below. I’d love to hear about them.
