What is the impact of practicing just before competitions?

Practicing just before competitions can have various impacts on a player's performance, and option B suggests that this practice often leads to poor performance. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as fatigue, mental strain, or the risk of injury. When a player practices immediately before competition, they may push themselves too hard, potentially diminishing their energy reserves or causing physical stress that could affect their skills during the actual competition.

Furthermore, mental focus is crucial in competitive environments, and last-minute practice can lead to overthinking or anxiety, which may reduce performance. Players could also experience a lack of rest, making them less mentally sharp and physically prepared when it's time to compete.

On the other hand, practicing immediately before a competition could also be beneficial for some players to maintain muscle memory or to build confidence; however, these benefits can be offset by the drawbacks mentioned. Thus, while some may argue for the benefits, the general consensus tends to lean toward the notion that it can more often lead to poor performance than enhance it.