How to deal with nerves in competition
When I was younger, I would experience nerves before playing in a golf tournament. First tee jitters are typical good! If youre not nervous before competition, you probably don’t really care or vested in your sport!
When I got to college those pre tournament jitters turned into “performance anxiety”. Athletes that experience “performance anxiety”, typically report symptoms such as:
- Feeling apprehensive
- Feeling fearful of competing
- Having a sense of panic
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly
- Upset stomach
- Sweating
- Feeling weak
Performance anxiety is usually the result of an athlete worrying about the result or outcome of their golf tournament. Focus on the process, not the outcome!
How to deal with “performance anxiety”
- Self-confidence is the biggest factor that helps golfers respond to nerves in athletic competition.
- Put more energy into the process of competing rather than worrying
- Visualization and Imagery
- Re-interpreting the event
- Understanding the fear
- Distraction – listen to music to take your mind off the pressure situations
The best way to get better with mental performance is to get with a mental coach!