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Performing without Pressure? The Effect of Ghost Games on Effort-based and Skill-based Tasks in the German Football Bundesliga

Author

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  • Christoph Bühren
  • Dominic Jung

Abstract

This study examines how the absence of crowds affects effort-based and skill-based performance in professional football. Using “ghost games” from the 2019/2020 season of the German football Bundesliga as a natural experiment, the analysis follows a within-subject design. It employs Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and linear regression models, including the interaction between home advantage and ghost games. Previous studies showed a decline in home advantage when matches are played without fans. Distinguishing between effort-based and skill-based performance, we argue that this effect is primarily driven by tasks involving physical effort, whereas the technical precision of home teams rather improves in ghost games. This study advances the behavioral understanding of home advantage and highlights how crowd presence can simultaneously motivate and constrain performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Bühren & Dominic Jung, 2025. "Performing without Pressure? The Effect of Ghost Games on Effort-based and Skill-based Tasks in the German Football Bundesliga," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 17(4), pages 25-34.
    • Handle: RePEc:rnd:arjebs:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:25-34
    DOI: 10.22610/jebs.v17i4(j).4708
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Harb-Wu, Ken & Krumer, Alex, 2019. "Choking under pressure in front of a supportive audience: Evidence from professional biathlon," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 246-262.
    2. Richard Pollard & Vasilis Armatas, 2017. "Factors affecting home advantage in football World Cup qualification," International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1-2), pages 121-135, March.
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