Consecutive goals conceded
Three, four shots in a row go in – and you're right in the thick of it.
A few shots go in one after another. Your brain quickly jumps to: 'I can't save anything today.' But each shot was completely different. Right now you need your bearings, not a final verdict on your game.
What can help you right now
- 1Stay in the present moment of the match. If the ball goes in, restart play as agreed with your team.
- 2During a stoppage, shake out your hands and take a good breath out. Tell yourself 'next job' rather than 'I have to save this'.
- 3Clear up one specific thing with the defence, like: 'Who's picking up the pivot?' Save technical adjustments for goalkeeper training instead of trying to overhaul everything in a rush.
Here's what that can look like in handball
The other team is scoring from the line, the wing, and the back court. Don't bundle that all into one mistake. In the timeout, ask which detail you need to sort out first.
For your next training session
Watch a few shots back together and break down open chances, communication, and your movement. Pick one thing to work on in training, not a new rule for every single ball.
How you can bring it up
'My head's spinning a bit right now. What's the most important call for the next attack?'
Things you don't have to deal with alone
A streak doesn't predict whether you'll save the next shot. You don't need to ignore it, nor do you have to break it with something spectacular.
If you want to keep working on this
Suitable Mental Hacks
Your gesture
Whenever words are too slow in the game – between two actions, after conceding a goal or a missed shot.
Exhale for twice as long as you inhale
When your pulse races: just before the throw-off, before the 7-metre throw, or right after a timeout.
Look outwards
When you only listen to yourself or look towards the stands – between two plays or before the throw-off.
Methods and boundaries of these tips
The linked methods outline general approaches. They don't prove that these exact steps will work for you. These tips are ideas to try out, not a guarantee of better performance or more minutes.
Pre-Performance Routines
ModerateStabilising execution under pressure and reliably directing attention before starting.
Breath-based regulation
ModerateReducing short-term excessive physical activation: racing heart, shallow breathing, trembling before or after exertion.
Attention control
StrongReduce distraction, overthinking, and self-monitoring during execution.