In a particular sporting context, to make a faulty stroke (5,1,4)

I believe the answer is:

catch a crab

(Other definitions for catch a crab that I've seen before include "Have a bad row" , "row ineptly" , "Meet a sourpuss" , "Make bad oar stroke" , "Make a bad stroke in rowing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

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