Many sport players sometimes get anxious when they play against a tough opponent. They get nervous on who they are playing and they get so worked up that they lose focus on playing their game. In the end, they make mistakes and end up beating themselves up if they do not win. Here is a list of techniques that an athlete can use to help manage the stress of playing against the competition.
The first step is to learn as much as you can on your opponent. Although this may seem obvious, some players may think they already know what they need to know. Remember there is always something to learn about your competition. Read the stats and reports about your opponent. Try to figure out an angle on how you can beat your competition. The more you know about your competition the better your chances are that you will win the game. This will also help to reduce your worries about who and what you will be facing in your next game.
Do not assume anything about your competition whether they are stronger or weaker than you. Every player has her good and bad games and just because you may be facing a stronger opponent does not mean that you will lose. Remember that before you start playing, you and your opponent both have an equal chance of winning. You are both starting from scratch. This should help you to give you confidence going into your next game.
Focus on how you can best strive for perfection in your own game instead of worrying about your opponent. For instance, let’s say you are playing the number one team in the tournament and you are nervous. Instead of focusing on how good your competition is, focus on how you can play your best game. Focusing on your game will definitely help you when you are nervous in playing a stronger player.
Realize that you cannot win all of your games and that also includes your competition. You may be the best player in the world, however you will still lose eventually. No one player can win all of their games. Yes, they may have some winning streaks or win ninety percent of their games, but they will still lose some games. When facing a tough competitor, use this fact to your advantage. Even the best players will make some mistakes and lose.
Give yourself some pep talks during the game to re-enforce encouragement to yourself. During your tennis match take advantage of the breaks you get by giving yourself encouragement. For example, there is a break in the match and you are making a lot of mistakes. During the break, tell yourself that you need to settle down or remind yourself that you can do it and you need to relax. This positive self talk can help reduce the stress and anxiety during the game.
Finally, learn to relax and just go out and have some fun. Winning is nice but it is not the most important thing in life. It may seem that winning this game will make all the difference in the world. The fact of the matter is that as long as you keep on trying you will get other chances to prove yourself. Do not put all of your dreams on one game.
It is not uncommon to get nervous when you play a better opponent. The key is not to psyche yourself out just because the competition gets tough. Remember that some games will be easy to play and some games will be more difficult. All you can do is to focus on your game and play the best you can.
Stan Popovich is the author of A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods - an easy-to-read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: www.managingfear.com