Every athlete experiences nerves at some point during practices or competitions. While some athletes thrive under pressure, others may struggle without proper support from their coach and team. However, it’s important to remember that nerves are not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, they can indicate a genuine interest in the sport. Nevertheless, athletes should learn how to manage anxiety for their long-term mental wellness, as the anxiety experienced in sports can be similar to social anxiety in other areas of life.
Here are five strategies to help athletes control their sport anxiety:
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Sports Should Reduce Anxiety, Not Cause It
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Emphasizing the fun aspect of sports is crucial for athletes of all ages, particularly adolescents. Coaches and parents should ensure that their language and behavior reflect the idea that the main goal of playing sports is to enjoy the social and physical benefits, rather than focusing solely on scholarships or tournament wins. Instead of asking, “What did you do wrong today?” after a game, try starting with, “What was your favorite part of the game?”
Teach Mental Strategies Early and Often
Coaches often prioritize mandatory practices, competition schedules, and other time-consuming tasks, inadvertently neglecting the importance of teaching mental strategies to athletes. However, research has shown that visualization and other mental techniques can significantly improve performance. Start the season by discussing these techniques with the athletes and providing practical recommendations. Lead them through visualization exercises before games, encourage them to download guided meditation apps, and have a team discussion on what success means to them for this season.
Avoid Failure Avoidance
When athletes feel nervous or anxious, they may fall into a mentality of avoiding failure, which hinders their ability to take risks and try new techniques. Coaches can address this mentality early in the season by conveying that the team’s goal is not to win every game or make every shot, but rather to encourage players to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Foster a culture where attempts, including failed ones, are praised, creating an environment where athletes feel safe to push their limits. Additionally, coaches should focus on positively reinforcing desired behavior instead of solely pointing out errors.
Anxiety Isn’t Always About Winning and Losing
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Team dynamics also play a significant role in athletes’ anxiety. Fear of negative evaluation from teammates, such as being made fun of for missing a shot or not conforming to certain expectations, can cause considerable anxiety. As a coach, you may not have access to all of the athletes’ communication channels, but you can contribute to creating a team culture that discourages bullying and emphasizes that winning isn’t everything.
Listen to Your Athlete
It’s essential to pay attention to your athlete and take their feelings into account. If the anxiety produced by a sport outweighs the joy of participation, it may be time to consider switching to a different sport. It’s crucial not to push a child to play if they have a consistently low desire to do so. Continuously experiencing anxiety without feeling any pleasure from the sport could indicate that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
In summary, while sport anxiety cannot be entirely prevented, it can be effectively managed. Parents and coaches play a critical role in reducing anxiety around sports performance by communicating effectively and reinforcing the positive benefits of sports. By implementing the strategies mentioned above, athletes can develop the skills to manage anxiety and perform at their best.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
