Third attack in a row, you're fouled at the pivot – no whistle. Next time, you react, and suddenly the ref blows the whistle against you. Yellow card.
What's happening in your head?
Pick the thought closest to yours. There are no wrong answers.
Strategy
Pivots under constant physical pressure:
- 1Name the feeling, don't argue about it.
- 2Direct tension into the next block.
- 3Address it after the game, not during.
Practice now
Name the feeling
When you just notice "something's too much right now" and don't know what it is – during a break, on the bus, in the evening.
Anger in Motion
When you're fuming – after a whistle against you, a hard foul, or criticism from outside.
Look outwards
When you only listen to yourself or look towards the stands – between two plays or before the throw-off.
Why is that?
- Mindfulness- and acceptance-based approachesModerate
Effects on well-being are better evidenced than effects on pure performance. No substitute for psychotherapy for anxiety disorders or depression.
- Self-talkStrong
Instructional self-talk is most effective for fine motor skills; effects are smaller for strength and endurance tasks. Positive platitudes unrelated to the task have little effect.
- Attention controlStrong
The transferability to highly dynamic team situations is less well-researched than to closed tasks.
If this situation is consistently bothering you or boundaries are being crossed, get support – Finding Help.