Using Preparation to Reduce Anxiety in Sports
Quick Summary:
- Anxiety often comes from fear, doubt, and trying to control results, so preparation helps reduce it.
- Strong physical practice builds trust in your skills and lowers the need to stress about outcomes.
- Mental prep during the week—visualization and mindfulness—builds confidence and keeps you present.
- A pregame routine the night before and morning of competition helps you feel calm and ready.
- Having an in-game strategy (like the ABCs: Accept, Breathe, Change your thinking) allows you to manage anxiety when it appears.