Ironic Process Theory In Softball Pitching: How Knowing Information About An Opponent’s Strengths Affects Performance

relationship with deception as a belief about the cause of sport success. Age comparisons showed 13-14 and 15-18 year old age groups had significantly higher ego orientation than the 11-12 age group, the 15-18 age group having a significantly lower task orientation than both the 11-12 and 13-14 age groups. The 13-14 age group attributed deception to success in swimming significantly more than the 11-12 age group. CONCLUSION: Older swimmers develop a higher ego orientation and lower task orientation due to more visible differences in ability and an increased focus on performance.