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How not to over think during a game?
Im going into junior year of hs. And I have trouble focusing on a game I tend to over think and negative thoughts enter my mind. Any advice?
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5 answers
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You are on the floor/field because you proved yourself through going out for the team. Hype yourself up before the game by listening to music you like and imagining each shot going in.
Easier said than done, but just aim to have fun. I have a son who did basketball for the first time as a 7th grader and he overthought things too. As the season went on he got more comfortable. Be patient with yourself :)
Easier said than done, but just aim to have fun. I have a son who did basketball for the first time as a 7th grader and he overthought things too. As the season went on he got more comfortable. Be patient with yourself :)
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jazzy,
Good question! It's normal to feel overwhelmed during a game, especially when you want to perform well. Here are some strategies to help you stay focused and avoid overthinking:
1. Pre-Game Routine: Develop a consistent pre-game routine that helps you get into the right mindset. This could include listening to music, visualizing success, or doing a specific warm-up.
2. Stay Present: Focus on the present moment rather than the outcome of the game. Concentrate on what you need to do in each moment, whether it's positioning, passing, or communicating with teammates.
3. Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Keep your self-talk simple and encouraging.
4. Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind. Take slow, deep breaths to reduce anxiety and bring your focus back to the game.
5. Simplify Your Approach: Break the game down into smaller tasks. Instead of thinking about the whole game, focus on the next play, the next pass, or the next move.
6. Trust Your Training: Remember that you've put in the work during practice. Trust your instincts and let your training guide you rather than overanalyzing every move.
7. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. This can help you train your mind to stay focused and present, reducing overthinking in high-pressure situations.
8. Learn from Experience: After each game, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Use this reflection to improve your mental approach in future games.
Over time, with practice, these strategies can help you stay calm and focused during games.
Best wishes!
Good question! It's normal to feel overwhelmed during a game, especially when you want to perform well. Here are some strategies to help you stay focused and avoid overthinking:
1. Pre-Game Routine: Develop a consistent pre-game routine that helps you get into the right mindset. This could include listening to music, visualizing success, or doing a specific warm-up.
2. Stay Present: Focus on the present moment rather than the outcome of the game. Concentrate on what you need to do in each moment, whether it's positioning, passing, or communicating with teammates.
3. Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Keep your self-talk simple and encouraging.
4. Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind. Take slow, deep breaths to reduce anxiety and bring your focus back to the game.
5. Simplify Your Approach: Break the game down into smaller tasks. Instead of thinking about the whole game, focus on the next play, the next pass, or the next move.
6. Trust Your Training: Remember that you've put in the work during practice. Trust your instincts and let your training guide you rather than overanalyzing every move.
7. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. This can help you train your mind to stay focused and present, reducing overthinking in high-pressure situations.
8. Learn from Experience: After each game, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Use this reflection to improve your mental approach in future games.
Over time, with practice, these strategies can help you stay calm and focused during games.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much!
Jazzy
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hello Jazzy!
I was an anxious athlete just like you!!
If you love the sport, and you revolve a lot of your life around soccer, don't forget to have fun doing it. With this in mind, you will be more confident in your play. Confidence is important. Tell yourself you are just as good or better than the players out on that field.
Self talk is important; and setting goals is important. What are you trying to accomplish in that one game? What are you trying to accomplish in every game?
If you are as good and prepared as your couch says you are, there is no reason to overthink your performance. Your practice sessions should be game speed. However, your nutrition and recovery should also be just as important as your preparation. Film is important as well. Study your team's play as well as your opponents play.
Ultimately, practice and play with confidence. Lead by example. Communicate with teammates and coaching staff. Trust your environment. If you are putting in the time and you are doing everything necessary to perform, then there is no need to overthink. YOU ARE READY!!
Have fun and put on a show!!
Good Luck!!
TR
I was an anxious athlete just like you!!
If you love the sport, and you revolve a lot of your life around soccer, don't forget to have fun doing it. With this in mind, you will be more confident in your play. Confidence is important. Tell yourself you are just as good or better than the players out on that field.
Self talk is important; and setting goals is important. What are you trying to accomplish in that one game? What are you trying to accomplish in every game?
If you are as good and prepared as your couch says you are, there is no reason to overthink your performance. Your practice sessions should be game speed. However, your nutrition and recovery should also be just as important as your preparation. Film is important as well. Study your team's play as well as your opponents play.
Ultimately, practice and play with confidence. Lead by example. Communicate with teammates and coaching staff. Trust your environment. If you are putting in the time and you are doing everything necessary to perform, then there is no need to overthink. YOU ARE READY!!
Have fun and put on a show!!
Good Luck!!
TR
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
What Chinyere said.
For me as an athlete, 2 things that stand out the most….
Breathe. I have that word tattooed on my wrist to remind me. I teach people how to breathe.
Be present. Be in the moment. Not always easy. Last shot didn’t go the way you wanted? Gotta let it go. As soon as it happens, it’s in the past. Not an easy skill, but with practice, it will become natural.
Huge soccer fan here!! Go out there! And all the best.
~Marylou
For me as an athlete, 2 things that stand out the most….
Breathe. I have that word tattooed on my wrist to remind me. I teach people how to breathe.
Be present. Be in the moment. Not always easy. Last shot didn’t go the way you wanted? Gotta let it go. As soon as it happens, it’s in the past. Not an easy skill, but with practice, it will become natural.
Huge soccer fan here!! Go out there! And all the best.
~Marylou
Hey! Thanks so much! I appreciate the support. :]
Jazzy
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Kudos to you for recognizing that your anxiety might be affecting your performance. This self-awareness is the first step towards improvement, so well done! There's a wealth of resources available that could be beneficial, including numerous books.
Even though the specifics may vary across different sports, the key lies in fostering a resilient mindset and honing your mental strength. One resource that has proven effective is a workbook specifically designed for softball players, titled 'The Softball Mindset: A Workbook for maximizing your mental toughness, confidence, and resilience for success on and off the field.' While I can't vouch for its soccer counterpart, rest assured that a similar workbook does exist. A quick search on Amazon should lead you right to it.
Remember, discussing your anxieties is a good start, but the real progress comes from confronting and overcoming the obstacles that might be hindering you. The unpredictable nature of sports means that no two games are identical; there will always be unforeseen events that you can't prepare for. However, you can certainly learn to control your reactions to these surprises.
Here's wishing you the best of luck! Keep going, you're doing great!
Even though the specifics may vary across different sports, the key lies in fostering a resilient mindset and honing your mental strength. One resource that has proven effective is a workbook specifically designed for softball players, titled 'The Softball Mindset: A Workbook for maximizing your mental toughness, confidence, and resilience for success on and off the field.' While I can't vouch for its soccer counterpart, rest assured that a similar workbook does exist. A quick search on Amazon should lead you right to it.
Remember, discussing your anxieties is a good start, but the real progress comes from confronting and overcoming the obstacles that might be hindering you. The unpredictable nature of sports means that no two games are identical; there will always be unforeseen events that you can't prepare for. However, you can certainly learn to control your reactions to these surprises.
Here's wishing you the best of luck! Keep going, you're doing great!