Overcoming Nerves

[mm389907]

I'm a good lacrosse player, but I find that my nerves always hold me back from fulfilling my real potential. I get scared and nervous before games, and I think my self-conscious nature just keeps me from having the confidence to play my best.

Anyone with a similar situation?

Any tips?

[NuKoN]

if you've got friends on the team, jus talk with them before the game, always loosens me up jokin around with friends

music?

[MainLax28]

Sometimes happens to me in hockey. Usually I will go out on the first shift and try to level the biggest, baddest kid I can find and it makes the game go alot easier. For some reason I never have this feeling in lacrosse.

[bee_laxer5]

i just try to listen to music that calms me down. and yeah just talking to friends before a game helps also

[SouthJerzylax22]

I think just about everyone gets this, alot of people have some superstitions or pre game rituals that they like to do. We have a bunch of mirrors in the trophy cases by our locker rooms, and before everygame i just walk around in that hallway and will just stare at myself in the mirrors, I know it seems real weird but for some reason it helps me think about the game.

I think for most people the best thing to do is just talk to your friends, I dont like to do it before games because it will make me too relaxed and ill loose my concentration.

[ViennaLAX16]

Listen to music it really helps. Listen to a really good song you like. And you will sign it in your head all game. I find when I have the ball in my head the song still plays even if your just repeating like two verses.

IS that just me?

[Coach_Goldberg]

Meditation works well. Mostly, it's about controlling your breathing.

[Keeper#8]

As a goalie I get so nervous before a game. Alot of the times the first shot will go in because of it. but after that first shot, I don't get nervous anymore.

[Eric]

I sing American Pie to myself for some reason that song clams my head and i play pretty good. I would try just to sing a chill song, Jimmy Buffet i think would work the best. But then agian that is just me and messed up head.

[stinisonfire]

Dude, Johnny Carson said that the day he stopped being nervous before a show was the day he would retire.

Being nervous isn't a bad thing, its part of human nature. If you're not nervous, you're not normal.

[laxfolife24]

This is something that used to happen with basketball and soccer. I have learned confidence is the key. To gain confidence you have to mentally prepare yourself for the game. Visualize your self playing amazing because when it comes time for the game it serves as positive reinforcemnt. Also, go to a lot of camps and play a lot of lacrosse with other guys. It will help you get a better footing and if you are the good player that you say you are then it will shine through in these camps, leagues, etc. and you will play to your potential.

A little nervous energy doesn't hurt at all. After that first whistle blows there is no reason you should be nervous, just play the game, don't think so much.

[mm389907]

thanks youve been really helpful