„I made a mistake“
Handball is a game of errors. Dozens happen on both sides in every game. What matters is never the error, but the next 20 seconds.
What's happening there
After a mistake, attention turns inwards: You check the bench, the coach, the stands. You're not playing in that moment. That's exactly where chains of errors come from. A short, consistent reset routine gives your mind something concrete to do and physically ends the scene.
Do it now.
Reset routine after a mistake (3 seconds)
- 1Anchor: a clear physical gesture – briefly grab your jersey, high-five someone, tap the ground.
- 2Exhale. Once long, audible. That's how the mistake ends.
- 3One word for the next action: “back”, “defence”, “legs”.
- 4Look ahead at the next opponent or teammate – not at the coach, not at the bench.
- 5Keep going. Analysis comes after the game, not now.
Briefly feel it out
Nothing is saved. Just for you, 30 seconds.
Your next mini-step
Take your anchor into the next training session and use it there after every misplaced pass – practiced in training, it'll work in the game.
Suitable ToolsThese contents are knowledge and training offerings from sport psychology. They do not replace psychotherapy, medical treatment, or professional sport psychological support.