Performance anxiety, also known as the ‘yips,’ impacts athletes of all levels, creating mental barriers when executing critical physical skills. It occurs when the brain perceives potential harm during specific movements, causing distressing sensations like arm numbness or the sense of running through quicksand. Various triggers contribute to this problem, such as game-changing errors and previous injuries.

Overthinking plays a significant role, trapping athletes in cycles of self-doubt and fear, ultimately hindering their performance.

Addressing Performance Anxiety

Addressing performance anxiety requires a proactive and gentle approach. Coaches must establish compassionate connections with affected athletes and avoid emotional reactions that may worsen the situation. Creating a supportive environment for athletes to express concerns is also crucial.

Athletes must acknowledge and forgive themselves for perceived shortcomings. Their identity extends beyond just being athletes, and striving for perfection in every instance is unrealistic. Open communication with coaches and teammates fosters mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

Additional practice repetitions can help build confidence and familiarity with skills, reducing fear and anxiety during execution. Open discussions about performance anxiety diminish its power and alleviate the stress as well.

Create a Nurturung Environment

Nurturing environments where athletes can address issues without judgment expedite overcoming the ‘yips.’ Coaches should lead by example, showing vulnerability and a willingness to seek help if they themselves don’t know what to do. This fosters an environment where seeking assistance is seen as a strength, encouraging athletes to face challenges with resilience.

Recognizing that overall it is only just a game puts performance anxiety into perspective. While competition is essential, it’s crucial to understand that skills developed to conquer this challenge extend beyond the playing field. Resilience, problem-solving, and effective communication are invaluable in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, apprehension in regards to performance, or the ‘yips,’ is a genuine obstacle affecting athletes at any level. However, with supportive coaching and proactive efforts from athletes to address concerns, overcoming them is possible. Creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable seeking help and working together to find solutions empowers them to excel in sports and beyond.
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The Mental Game: Taking on Performance Anxiety | Eileen Canney Linnehan | ECL Consulting