Crushing Game Day Jitters

Are you ever hit with those pre-game butterflies, making your stomach do somersaults and your hands jitter with excitement? Your heart pounds like it’s ready to break free from your chest, right?

You're not alone. Whether it's the night before or right before tip-off, those nerves can hit hard. I remember lying in bed the night before a big game, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep because of those butterflies.

But what causes these nerves, and more importantly, what can you do about them? Let's break it down.

Pre-Game Jitters vs. Anxiety

Not all nerves are bad. Sometimes, they pump you up, get you focused, and ready to dominate. But other times, they can hold you back, making you play tight and timid.

Here's the difference: pre-game nerves boost your excitement and focus, while sports anxiety can mess with your game, even days before kickoff.

So, why do we get nervous?

It's all about worry. When you obsess over what might go wrong, that's when the nerves kick in. Maybe you're scared of messing up and losing your starting spot, or worried about letting your parents down.

All these worries fuel pre-game jitters. It's like you're stuck in a loop of negative thoughts about the future.

But here's the thing: you don't have to give up your goals to shake off those nerves.

Instead, you need to shift your focus. When you stop stressing about the outcome and focus on the little things, you give yourself a better shot at success.

3 Tips to Dial Down the Nerves

1. Embrace the Jitters

Sounds crazy, right? But trying to push away those nerves only makes them worse. Instead, acknowledge them. Notice where you feel anxious in your body, and tell yourself it's okay to feel this way. Then, shift your focus to the game ahead.

2. Chill Out Your Mind

When your brain's racing a mile a minute, it's hard to focus. So, give it a break. Try some deep breathing exercises—breathe in for four counts, out for eight. This not only calms your mind but also shifts your attention away from those nerve-wracking thoughts.

3. Focus on the Process

Instead of obsessing over the outcome, concentrate on the steps to get there. Think of it like putting together a puzzle. Worrying about finishing the puzzle won't make it happen faster. But focusing on each piece? That's where the magic lies. Set performance goals for yourself before every game, and watch your nerves melt away.

Final Thoughts

Feeling anxious before a game is normal, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By accepting your nerves, relaxing your mind, and focusing on the process, you'll be ready to crush it on the court.

And if you need extra support, consider one-on-one mental performance coaching. Together, we'll tackle those nerves and unleash your full potential.

Thanks for reading, and remember embrace the jitters, own the game, and dominate the court!

Video:

Event + Response = Outcome

A simple formula for parents to share with their athletes respond better to adversity and get the outcome they want!

Stay resilient,

Coach Dave

Founder Flow State Basketball

P.S. If you want to work with us in any capacity, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1 - TOGETHER with Coach Dave. www.flowstatebasketball.com
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