How To Control - Fear

Fear can come from many sources. Fear of failing, injury, bad performance, letting your parents down, etc. can all cause paralyzing fear which will make you choke and unable to play to your potential. Managing fear is incredibly important for you to be a tough player.

Letting fear get the best of you is the worst possible thing for your performance. Doubting your abilities leads to negative thinking and bad concentration. No matter what, letting fear talk is never good for your game. Taking steps to overcome fear and be confident should be helpful in not letting it get the best of you.

• Tell Yourself: 'I can do it no matter what'. Even if you're not sure, tell yourself you can in order to overcome that fear
• Don't hold back! Playing it safe because of fear of embarrassing yourself or failing will hinder your performance and hold you back as a player
• Only You matter: Don't care too much about what other people think. No one is judging you but yourself
• Embrace mistakes: Don't be afraid to try. How else are you going to learn what you can and cannot do?
• Get your feet moving: Don't paralyze yourself. Keep playing and focusing on the game. Get into the game and push the fear out of your head

Fear has been the downfall of many a good athlete. Fear, for whatever reason, will always hold you back from your potential and affect your ability to be a great player. Learning how not to be afraid takes a lot of self-talking and confidence. In the end, though, whatever you have to do to get rid of that fear will be unbelievably helpful for your performance. 

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