ABSTRACT
The introduction chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book seeks to clarify what performance is, and clarify what is meant by the 'psychology of performance' and 'performance psychology'. It explores on the notion of flow before presenting an overarching model of factors that determine performance. The book introduces key aspects of the human 'machine', focusing on human performance. It focuses on the psychological construct of pressure, and explores sources of pressure, response of the individual, and relevant coping strategies. The book focuses on the impact ageing can have on performance ability, considering the mediating role that accumulated experience can have on performance levels. It explores the use of psychophysiology to understand performance, but also to look 6at how psychophysiological indicators can be used to enhance performance. The book explains some of the key psychological skills that can be both developed and utilized to enhance performance under pressure.
