How to see pressure in sport as a challenge, not a threat

Meijen, Carla, Turner, Martin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1975-5561 and Jones, Marc ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2999-3942 (2022) How to see pressure in sport as a challenge, not a threat. Frontiers for Young Minds, 10. p. 681496. ISSN 2296-6846

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Abstract

Playing sport is fun. But we can also get nervous about it. Many people competing in sports get nervous and feel pressure because doing their best is important to them. Feeling pressure is not automatically bad. If you see pressure as a positive challenge, it can help you do your best. However, seeing pressure as a negative threat can stop you from doing your best. Why? When you see pressure as something positive (a challenge), you believe in your abilities, feel in control of your situation, and are focused on facing the situation head-on. When you see pressure as a challenge, you might feel nervous, but you know this feeling helps you do your best, which helps your body respond in a helpful way. How can you make sure you see pressure as a challenge? One way is using techniques to help you to face pressure head-on, with self-belief, control, and excitement.