Thread: Drew Lock

"Momentum" in sports is fake. It's a term that's always completely used in hindsight when a team plays well after a game changing thing happens. It's just as likely the a team doesn't capitalize on said "momentum" from a big play though. This has actually been studied, and there is no data that suggests things like scoring right before the half actually leads to the scoring team playing better in the second half.

Originally Posted by BroncoWave

"Momentum" in sports is fake. It's a term that's always completely used in hindsight when a team plays well after a game changing thing happens. It's just as likely the a team doesn't capitalize on said "momentum" from a big play though. This has actually been studied, and there is no data that suggests things like scoring right before the half actually leads to the scoring team playing better in the second half.

There was a sports psychologist who argued that momentum is fake, and if it was 'real' it would only be because people believe in it

I had a friend who got a doctorate in sports psychology who argues/d that it's fake and is only 'useful' as a term to explain to fans what is happening

I hadn't thought about that in years - you took me down ole memory lane!

Originally Posted by BroncoWave

"Momentum" in sports is fake. It's a term that's always completely used in hindsight when a team plays well after a game changing thing happens. It's just as likely the a team doesn't capitalize on said "momentum" from a big play though. This has actually been studied, and there is no data that suggests things like scoring right before the half actually leads to the scoring team playing better in the second half.

Momentum is 100% about confidence mixed with superstition. The problem is, sports are typically 90% mental. At the pro level, everyone is a great athlete. As soon as you believe you’re playing better, or you believe you caught a break, or believe that an unlucky bounce or bad call went against you, your confidence can shift one way or another. Momentum may be “fake” but too many of us have seen too many times that the psychological effect of a turnover, or big time score, or well timed sack, etc can immediately shift the confidence of teams. Personally I believe in momentum or whatever you want to call it, and more importantly, so do the players and coaches or they wouldn’t talk about it so much. Those who try to disprove it or it’s affects are those who never really played a competitive sport methinks…

Originally Posted by BroncoWave

"Momentum" in sports is fake. It's a term that's always completely used in hindsight when a team plays well after a game changing thing happens. It's just as likely the a team doesn't capitalize on said "momentum" from a big play though. This has actually been studied, and there is no data that suggests things like scoring right before the half actually leads to the scoring team playing better in the second half.

You’re fake!

Originally Posted by HORSEPOWER 56

Momentum is 100% about confidence mixed with superstition. The problem is, sports are typically 90% mental. At the pro level, everyone is a great athlete. As soon as you believe you’re playing better, or you believe you caught a break, or believe that an unlucky bounce or bad call went against you, your confidence can shift one way or another. Momentum may be “fake” but too many of us have seen too many times that the psychological effect of a turnover, or big time score, or well timed sack, etc can immediately shift the confidence of teams. Personally I believe in momentum or whatever you want to call it, and more importantly, so do the players and coaches or they wouldn’t talk about it so much. Those who try to disprove it or it’s affects are those who never really played a competitive sport methinks…

It's selection bias. Players remember the times they had "momentum" but not the times they made a big play then gave it right back. I won't argue that making a big play gives a player or team more confidence, but on the other hand it gives the other team more of a sense of urgency. Like you said, these guys are all top professionals. You don't usually make it this far in sports by losing confidence or playing worse after something goes bad for you. Maybe that's more of a thing in high school or lower level college sports, but there's just no such thing as "momentum" in pro sports.

Do the players have advanced degrees that require research and peer review, while also having to prove how the brain functions?

Momentum is real.

Originally Posted by King87

Do the players have advanced degrees that require research and peer review, while also having to prove how the brain functions?

Players are very often the worst source to describe things that happen in games. Just look at how many ex players are awful analysts.

I don’t know if momentum is real or fake but as a person who plays basketball I’ve legit been on runs where I couldn’t miss! Like my confidence was through the roof. I couldn’t be stopped! One would say I had the momentum. Right?

That would say you were in a flow state

Originally Posted by Valar Morghulis

That would say you were in a flow state

I’m just glad we can all agree that Rey is the greatest character in SW history … probably in cinematic history.

Originally Posted by BroncoWave

"Momentum" in sports is fake. It's a term that's always completely used in hindsight when a team plays well after a game changing thing happens. It's just as likely the a team doesn't capitalize on said "momentum" from a big play though. This has actually been studied, and there is no data that suggests things like scoring right before the half actually leads to the scoring team playing better in the second half.

Originally Posted by Jaded

I’m just glad we can all agree that Rey is the greatest character in SW history … probably in cinematic history.

One day, you will succeed in giving me an aneurysm.

Originally Posted by Timmy!

One day, you will succeed in giving me an aneurysm.

Originally Posted by Timmy!

One day, you will succeed in giving me an aneurysm.

Can King have your watch, when that happens?