How to Stay Relaxed before a Competition “I feel like I’m going to be sick to my stomach.” Have you ever had this feeling prior to a competition? Have you ever been so anxious that you feel physically sick in the locker room before a game or competition? For some athletes, this feeling repeats itself as they carry it into each competition. This anxiety can hurt your performance because … [Read more...] about Coping with Pregame Anxiety
Performing well under Pressure
BIG Competitions Mindset for Athletes
How to Approach an Important Competition Do you wish you could play BIG in BIG moments? All athletes want to come up BIG in BIG moments such as: The gymnast who hopes to nail her routine in a championship meet.The golfer who dreams of sinking a birdie putt to win a golf tournament.The basketball player who wants to sink the final shot to win a playoff game.The baseball reliever who dreams … [Read more...] about BIG Competitions Mindset for Athletes
How UVA Handled Pressure Successfully
Are you Successful under Pressure? Each individual athlete responds to pressure in his/her own way. Kobe Bryant stated he played his best when the pressure was on, "Everything negative – pressure, challenges – are all an opportunity for me to rise." Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. implied he doesn’t feel pressure, “There is no pressure when you’re making a dream come true.” Younger … [Read more...] about How UVA Handled Pressure Successfully
How Parental Expectations Can Lead to Pressure
How Sports Parents Can Support Their Athletes "Everybody is counting on me," "I don’t want to disappoint my parents," "My parents get so mad at me after a bad game..." Do any of these statements sound familiar? You may have expressed these sentiments to a teammate or deal with these thoughts internally on a regular basis. Often, parents have high and sometimes unrealistic expectations for their … [Read more...] about How Parental Expectations Can Lead to Pressure
How to Mentally Prepare for the Big Game
Are You A Gamer? Are you a gamer and raise your performance in the “big” game? Why is it that some teams play great all season long but can’t seem to pull out a victory when it matters most? Most teams fail to win the big game because of expectation and pressure... You tell yourself, “This is the Championship game; the biggest game of the year.” The pressure builds... You have never … [Read more...] about How to Mentally Prepare for the Big Game
Are You a Choker in Big Games?
Do You Underperform In Games? Many athletes perform well during the regular season, but under perform in playoff games. Yet, some athletes shine in the playoffs--who I call "gamers." Which side of the fence do you fall on in the playoffs: peak performer or under performer? What's the mental makeup of athletes who perform at high levels when games matter most compared to the players who … [Read more...] about Are You a Choker in Big Games?
How to Get ‘Psyched Up’ Instead of ‘Psyched Out’
Deal With High Pressure Situations In Games Why is it that some athletes step up in high-pressure situations when athletes dread those feelings of pressure? You have been in those situations where the end of a competition is running near and there is that critical moment where the outcome is about to be decided... your heart is pounding... it’s all up to you now... You feel that pressure to … [Read more...] about How to Get ‘Psyched Up’ Instead of ‘Psyched Out’
How One Top Golfer Copes with Pressure
Where Does Pressure Come From? There is often more pressure on golfers when you have a higher rank. When you are on top, expectations are higher, everyone is watching you to see how you perform and every competitor is trying to be the one to beat you. Where does that pressure come from? Pressure comes from within you. Pressure comes from your interpretation and expectation for a … [Read more...] about How One Top Golfer Copes with Pressure
Does Pressure Affect Your Performance During Competitions?
What Is Pressure? The term “pressure” dominates the headlines of sporting events. Athletes often report feeling so much pressure during major competitions that they find it difficult to perform when it matters most. If pressure has such an impact on performance, ignoring its presence will only feed it. By understanding the process of pressure, you can better prepared and equipped to … [Read more...] about Does Pressure Affect Your Performance During Competitions?
How Mark Gangloff Overcame The Pressure To Perform
Mental Preparation For Competition Have you ever wondered how Olympic-level athletes are able to focus despite all the pressure to perform? Mark Gangloff is an American former swimmer and two-time Olympian. Gangloff won Olympic gold in 2004 and was the American record-holder in the 100m breaststroke. I interviewed Gangloff about his mental preparation for high-level swim meets. Gangloff talked … [Read more...] about How Mark Gangloff Overcame The Pressure To Perform