Everyone gets nervous sometimes – it is completely normal and often a positive sign before a competition or match. The important thing is to identify what works for the individual and to work together to practice effective strategies and behaviors to prepare in the best possible way.
How it works:
- Encourage the young people to reflect on how it usually feels for them before a competition. “What feeling do you have? Does it fluctuate? What feeling do you want to have? Do you have a strategy today to get ‘it right’?”
- Share with the group – perhaps you can give each other tips or explain what kind of behavior you would like to see from those around you, as well as how you can prepare for competition day, just as you would practice a technical skill during training. For example, visualization, listening to music, posting affirmations in your training environment, or dancing – whatever provides energy.
- Find your own thing – whatever works best for you or your team.
Establish routines during competition day that help you find your focus and the right mindset, and remember that it will be easier on some days than others, and that is perfectly fine!
