Knowledge Hub

Stress

Acute stress, chronic stress, recovery, performance pressure.

Acute stressChronic stressRecoveryPerformance pressure

Acute stress is a body's performance

Nerves before a big match can show up physically. How distressing they feel varies from person to person. Don’t simply put recurrent or severe symptoms down to sports-related stress.

Ask about the specific worry: that first ball, squad selection, or what others might think. Understanding the worry is far more helpful than trying to predict how it might affect their performance.

Chronic stress

If symptoms persist, or if there is noticeable irritability or withdrawal, getting a professional opinion is worthwhile. These signs do not automatically prove that stress is the cause.

For young athletes in competitive sport, several factors add up: training, school, travel time, social evaluation, and future concerns.

Look at both the overall workload and the opportunities for recovery.
When tiredness sets in, ask about overall load and everyday scheduling too.
A sense of control lowers stress: having a say helps find an adjustment that genuinely works.

Plan recovery like training

Downtime and regular meals belong in the weekly schedule and are not a reward for good performance. Work out together – and with professional input if needed – how to manage their overall workload sensibly.

Mental recovery counts too: time without judgment, without the training group, without feedback.

Actually changing an expectation

When school, training and trials all coincide, "Just put less pressure on yourself" isn't enough. Lay out the actual weekly schedule together and see what is flexible. Travel time, prep and homework all count – not just sessions in the sports hall.

Pick one specific change: drop an extra training session, sort out homework arrangements with school, or avoid performance questions in the car. Check later whether everyday life feels lighter. If things don't ease up, that is a reason to rethink the plan and seek professional help if needed – not to demand more discipline.

Questions for everyday life

Which expectation comes from me, and which from my child?What can genuinely be dropped this week?Who needs to be involved in an adjustment?

Support for your situation

I think my child is under too much pressure My child is extremely nervous My child seems exhausted

Recommended reading

For Parents2 min readCompetitive Sport and Pressure: Where Does Encouragement End?“I’m sorry you made the trip for nothing.” That phrase can be an opening to talk about expectations. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Ask how your child received it, rather than rushing to justify your support.Read article From your child's perspective6 min readWhen your head's too full: Dealing with pressure from school, sport, and expectationsExams, four training sessions a week, a match at the weekend – and everyone expects something. How to get organised.Read article From your child's perspective5 min readBlackout in the game? What you can do when suddenly nothing works anymoreSuddenly it's all gone: Plays, timing, feel for the ball. Here's how to get back in 30 seconds.Read article

In short

Excitement is functional, continuous stress without a break is not.
Recovery belongs in the plan, not in spare time.
Having a say is an essential part of planning together.

These everyday reflections do not constitute a diagnosis or prove an individual cause. Specific physical or psychological symptoms should always be evaluated by a professional.

Other areas

Adolescent development Motivation

These classifications are possibilities, not diagnoses. You know your child better than any text. If you are unsure, a professional assessment is always better than waiting.