3 Ways to Use Pre-Game “Jitters” to Your Advantage
Having pre-game “jitters” or nervousness is something that almost every athlete can relate to. As an athlete, these feelings can affect our performances and determine the outcome of our performance. Sometimes expectations, challenges, emotions, lack of confidence and fear can get in the way of an athlete’s ability to perform at a high level. Many youth athletes do not know how to control their mindset and never reach their full potential. Here are 3 tips that an athlete can use to have a Champion Mindset.
Relaxation Ritual: By creating a relaxation ritual an athlete can control the tension in their body, most importantly in their muscles. Each athlete has their own unique ways of getting their body and mind to relax. Once that technique is found it is important to practice it frequently. An example of a relaxation techniques is measured breathing. Measured breathing involves an athlete inhaling and exhaling on the same count (example: inhale and exhale for 5 seconds) to help them calm down or focus quickly. This process can be repeated as many times as needed or in between plays.
Pre-competition Game Plan: If an athlete has specific triggers that brings on their nervousness, then this will help them change their mindset. First, these triggers need to be identified. This could be, for example, the task as a whole, a lack of trust in their own ability, or the consequence of ÒfailureÓ. From there the athlete will replace their triggers with a happier or positive thought. The biggest aspect of this technique is self-dialogue. Once the athlete can successfully alter their self-talk from negative to positive they will see a large improvement in their self-confidence.
Competitive Routines: Many athletes do not show any signs of nervousness until failure or obstacles are encountered during competition. An athlete can focus not on the negatives, but on the positives of the situation. Visualizing certain situations before they occur can help the athlete feel better prepared what is ahead. Also, by drawing their thoughts away from the stressful aspects of competition and re-focusing on the aspects that are enjoyable, an athlete can increase their positive outlook and performance. Once there is a feeling of control, an athlete’s mindset will shift to that of excitement rather than thoughts of all the negative things that can or are happening at that particular moment or the event as a whole.
Written by Coach Rogel Lima and Coach Kyle Ertel
