When preparing for an athletic event, it is normal to have nerves. But, when those nerves become extreme anxiety or fear of competing these “nerves” can become an issue.
Feeling nervous before a game is a natural reaction from your body. Nerves are preparing your body to perform at its highest level. The “stress” hormones released during this time can induce focus in athletes.
“When I’m nervous, which I usually am before every game, I feel like my nerves help me stay locked in. If I’m overly calm then I’m not really focused,” said Jake Bendell, junior, starting kicker for the LRHS football team.
The focus induced by nerves can play a large role in an athlete’s performance. “When I’m nervous before a game, and it carries over. I always perform better. I stay focused while pitching and next thing you know I’m throwing all strikes,” said Bryanna Guillams, junior, softball player.
When at an athletic event there may be many athletes seen wearing headphones. Some may be watching a video or scrolling through Tik Tok but, many use music to calm their nerves.
“Once I get to a meet, I just put in two airpods and blast music. It’s always something upbeat usually rap music or fun pop,” Kate Slobodnyak, senior, long-distance track athlete.
Although nerves can enhance performance due to the increase in focus and determination to succeed, there are times when nerves can impact an athlete’s performance negatively.
“Sometimes when I start overthinking about an upcoming meet, I try to over-strategize my race. Which usually doesn’t help me run any better I usually run slower times and my nervousness causes me to run more tight,” Wendi Watkins, sophomore, sprinter on the track team.
Figuring out how to use your nerves to benefit an athlete’s performance is a key to success in sports and everyday life.
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