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1. Positive visualization – Take a few minutes on the night before or morning of a match to go through this process of positive visualization. If you know that you are vulnerable in a particular situation (e.g. hitting a wide forehand, or capitalizing on a big lead) make sure that you visualize yourself having success in this area.

 

2. Have a plan – Having a clear plan to focus on at the beginning of a match will go a long way towards relieving some of those pre-match nerves. That is not to say you won’t have to change this plan throughout the match but it will certainly help to give you a positive direction in the first few games. Remember- a bad plan is better than no plan at all!

3. Take a deep breath

4. I’m not nervous…I’m ready!

Try to perceive your nervousness as a sign that you are ready and ‘up for the competition!’ Being nervous is a good thing- it shows that you care about what you are doing and that your body is preparing itself for what might be ahead! If you can change the way you think about being nervous it can make a huge difference on the playing field.

For more information about mental performance as well as overall athletic performance enhancement check out our websites. The links are on the right of the page.

Tags: nerves, quick tips, relaxation, sport psychology