GAME DAY NERVES

5 Proven Ways to Stay Calm Under Pressure”

Nervous before a big game? That’s not a bad thing—it means you care. But too much anxiety can hurt performance. The key is to transform nerves into focus.

Here are 5 tools every athlete can use:

1. Box Breathing: Inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Repeat 4 cycles.

2. Focus on Process, Not Outcome: Think about your role, not the scoreboard.

3. Positive Self-Talk: Use phrases like "I’m ready," "I’ve trained for this," or "I can handle pressure."

4. Routine is Power: Stick to a consistent pre-game routine that centers and grounds you.

5. Visualization: Imagine yourself succeeding in the moments that matter.

Game-day pressure is real, but you can train your mind to work with you, not against you.