Pregame Stress

Coping with Pregame Anxiety

Pregame Anxiety

How to Stay Relaxed before a Competition “I feel like I’m going to be sick to my stomach.” Have you ever had this feeling prior to a competition? Have you ever been so anxious that you feel physically sick in the locker room before a game or competition? For some athletes, this feeling repeats itself

How a Pregame Routine Helps Athletes Succeed

How to Develop A Pregame Routine

How to Develop A Pregame Routine Are you anxious prior to competitions? Do you feel unsure before a game and fearful that you might mess up? Prior to a competition, are your thoughts scattered and your mind filled with distractions? Do you find it difficult to mentally prepare for a competition and get into the

Don’t Talk Yourself Into Service Miss in Volleyball

Overcoming Pressure to Preform in Games

Overcoming Pressure to Preform in Games Have you ever missed a crucial serve? Like one of the “deadly sins” of serving? A first point, a game point, after a time-out, after a teammate misses their serve? Serving under pressure, especially in a position like game point, can be extremely difficult for volleyball players. You might

How to be Resilient on the Court

How to Build Mental Toughness

How to Build Mental Toughness in Volleyball: “Set Me Again” Do you persevere in the face of adversity? Are you able to remain strong minded after a mistake? While on the court, do you push through whatever obstacles you meet? I was the type of player who wanted the ball, even after I made a

Bench Your Expectations to Play Fearless Volleyball

Bench Your Expectations to Play Fearless Volleyball

Do You Get Pregame Jitters? Are you scared when you step on the court? Do you fear making a mistake? Or being judged by others? Or being embarrassed if you mess up? I had a teammate one year in college that got so nervous and anxious right before a game that she would throw up…

How Volleyball Teams Can Succeed Against Rivals

How to Mentally Prepare For Playing Rivals

How to Mentally Prepare For Playing Rivals Being from Durham, or North Carolina in general, you take part in the famous Duke-UNC rivalry. Coach K was my neighbor while growing up in Durham, so obviously I was a Blue Devil. In February 2012, I was fortunate enough to attend the Duke-UNC game at the Dean