Peak moments in sport: a literature review.

Despite being inherently rewarding and a major stimulus for many athletes' continued involvement in sport, there is a dearth of research concerning peak moments in sport. Methodological and definitional problems are abundant, and confusion surrounds the categorization of such instances. This paper examines four models related to peak moments, with particular emphasis placed on the Privette and Bundrick model. Peak experience, peak performance, and flow, which form a central component in this model, are discussed in detail. Similar and distinctive characteristics of peak moments in sport are then discussed. Finally, personal factors influencing the ability to experience peak moments, as well as optimal conditions for facilitating such moments, are reviewed. Particular attention is devoted to how one can minimize interference with these experiences.

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