Dealing with pre-competition nerves

Dealing with pre-competition nerves is a common challenge that athletes face. As a strength and conditioning coach, I have witnessed firsthand the impact these nerves can have on an athlete's performance. There are several strategies that can be employed to effectively manage pre-competition nerves.

1. Establishing a routine and sticking to it leading up to the event. Routines helps create a sense of familiarity and provides a sense of control in an otherwise unpredictable environment.

2. Using breathing exercises and visualization techniques. These techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and promoting a calm state of mind.

3. Focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This can help to alleviate some of the pressure and allow you to perform more freely.

4. Embrace the feeling. View pre-competition nerves as a sign of readiness to compete!