You saw the gap. But you don't shoot, you pass it on. Because: what if it doesn't go in? What will the coach say? What will the others think? If that happens often, you're not playing handball anymore – you're playing against your own fear.
What's behind the fear
Your mind jumps to the future: mistake → substitution → less playing time. This feels logical, but it's just one of many possibilities. And while you're thinking about it, the gap has already closed.
How to get back into the moment
- Set goals you can control: “I’ll take every open shot,” instead of “I’ll always score.”
- Mentally rephrase the sentence: "Don't make a mistake" becomes "I want the ball."
- Think the fear through to the end – at home, not in the game: What would really be the worst? And then what?
- Talk to your coach: What do they really expect from you? Often, it's courage, not perfection.
Three things that are yours
When: Before important games, before a trial, or whenever only the result counts.
- 1Write or think: What do I want to show today?
- 2Turn that into three actions you can control yourself.
- 3Check each one: Can I do this even when the game isn't going well?
- 4Cross out everything that is a result.
Out of the game
Left wing, close game. Her process goal: "I run every fast break opportunity." She misses a shot once, but still runs the next fast break – and scores. She achieved her goal in both instances.
Remember this
Mistakes are part of handball. Those who risk nothing also make mistakes – just quieter ones. Focus on what's in your control.