right, and choking exists. clutch does not. Both involve the effect of pressure and emotion on the ability to perform. I don't see a big difference. there's a big difference. choking involves playing below your max ability. being clutch involves playing above your max ability, which isn't possible. if derek jeter is able to turn on the clutch for the playoffs, late inning situations, etc and hit .400, he should be able to do that all the time. and he can't.