In the game

Conceded a goal

Your opponent scores – either from your side or over your block.

The opponent scores down your side and you're annoyed. The next throw-off can happen fast – there's no time for a lengthy post-mortem.

What can help you right now

1Get into position for your next play. Don't wait around for a set amount of time after a goal.
2If the moment's right, sort out one thing with the player next to you: 'I'll step out, you cover the pivot.' Use your own defensive calls.
3Join in on the next attack. Anything that went wrong on the conceded goal can be sorted during a stoppage.

Here's what that can look like in handball

The back-court player scores over your block. Instead of thinking 'it's always over me', ask at half-time how you should coordinate the block with the goalkeeper.

For your next training session

Practise the same attacking play and call responsibilities beforehand. A clear agreement is much more helpful than blaming each other.

How you can bring it up

'We weren't in sync when stepping out. Who covers which space?'

Things you don't have to deal with alone

Conceding a goal isn't automatically your fault. Look at what happened together as a team.

If you want to keep working on this

Encouraging instead of complaining: How team communication really helps

What you say on the court can make your team stronger – or drag them down. Simple rules that work.

Suitable Mental Hacks

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.

Your gesture

Whenever words are too slow in the game – between two actions, after conceding a goal or a missed shot.

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

Moderate

Stabilising execution under pressure and reliably directing attention before starting.

Breath-based regulation

Moderate

Reducing short-term excessive physical activation: racing heart, shallow breathing, trembling before or after exertion.

Other situations

Goalkeeper error Defensive errors Two-minute suspension Yellow Card Being substituted Sitting on the bench Taken out during a tight phase Consecutive goals conceded Conceded a 7-metre throw Saved a 7-metre throw – and immediately tense again Too slow getting back Opening after the save went wrong