Athletes

Athletes often face intense physical and mental hardships as they push their bodies to the limit while managing pressure to perform at high levels. Injuries, exhaustion, and the constant demand for peak performance can take a toll on their physical and mental health. To thrive both on and off the field, athletes need strong support systems, including coaches, teammates, mental health professionals, and loved ones who can help them navigate challenges, maintain balance, and prioritize overall wellness.

5 Tips to Help Athletes Manage Pressure

Talk about it. Build the habit of checking-in with your young athlete about their thoughts and feelings. This will give you insight into how they are processing their experience and dealing with pressure.
Teach athletes how to manage their emotions. It's no secret the “mental game” is part of success in any competition. We can help athletes focus on these same skills starting early in life. Spend time teaching athletes how to balance emotions that may come up when playing a sport and identifying successes as well as areas for improvement. Spend time on breathing techniques and mindfulness skills. This will help them far beyond the field of competition and into adulthood.
Make room for other things. Encourage athletes to have other hobbies and activities outside of sports in addition to time with friends. This allows them to take natural mental breaks to engage in other enjoyable activities that contribute to personal satisfaction and self-worth. Encourage self-care activities that allow them to reset and destress daily.
Words matter. Words of encouragement help motivate. After a game loss it's important to keep a positive outlook for the future.

Don't Say

"Your team is depending on you"

We want to stay away from guilting them into performing for others instead of doing it for themselves.

"You just have to want it more"

This can insinuate that they didn't want it to begin with, leading to be shameful of their current performance.

"You'll do better next time"

This can create anxiety for the next game and can make them doubt their abilities in a past games. Especially if they think they are not improving fast enough.

"You'll never win playing like that"

Can stop motivation and belief in progress.

Instead Try...

"Do your best out there"

"Just give it everything you got"

"You have faced challenging teams before, I believe in you"

"You're having a rough patch, everyone does. Let's work through it"

"I saw you hustling all game, great job!"

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