What can I do to stop this?

Question

I play basketball almost everyday. When I'm practicing by myself, I feel like I could literally score 30 points in a game and I feel great. Before I play in a real league game though, my heart starts racing and I cannot stop it. It just happens suddenly and I hate it because I don't feel calm in the game and I just don't play the way I'm capable of. It's defitnely affecting my perfomance on the court and how I am thinking. After the game though, I always feel calm and I get mad at myself because I didn't play good. When I have this problem before a game, I can just tell I'm not going to play good. I don't think I 'm nervous either, but I just hate when this happens. It's very strange and I have not found any solutions. Is this common in people? What can I do to stop this?

Answer 1

You have a typical fear of failure. This goes to the fact that you are good but you don't believe in yourself. You actually fear success and you are mentally subverting your skill of play. Before the game you need to go through a self meditation, looking at yourself in the mirror and honestly telling yourself you are really that good. It is normal to be excited and have butterflies before the game. This should go away and as the game begins. If it doesn't, you are more concern with you play then with how the game is being played. You need to play from instinct not have to think how your body has to react. This is based on relaxation and mind control over your body. You are perpetuating your failure by getting mad at yourself after the game. You are worried about your mistakes as you play, we all make mistakes but the great player learn by them, not put themselves down. After each game tell yourself you did good, don't get mad at yourself. Praise your mind and body. Keep working hard and praise your successes and be glad you make mistakes but analyze them as stepping stones to becoming better. Stop your circle of defeatess tendencies. Start your circle of positive positioning in your mind. You have the skills just believe in yourself and play basketball. Most of all have fun in every game. Good Luck

Answer 2

You need to have as much exposure to the game as possible. Do what ever you can to make the experience of playing in front of a crowd.

When you practice with the team, try to get the coach to simulate game conditions.

It could be that your are nervous because your coach is watching you play.

Answer 3

Every athlete gets pre-game 'jitters', and every performer gets 'stage fright' to greater or lesser degrees. Its all a matter of how you deal with it.

You can't completely get rid of that extra burst of adrenaline, nor should you even try. If you can convert that extra energy into a better performance then thats what gives you and all athletes that competitive edge. You have to take control of it though, you can't let the adrenaline control you.

One guy once said, 'the trick is to get all those butterflies flying in the same direction'

Answer 4

My old psychology professor talked about this when he was explaing social psychology to us. In crowds the results are almost all negative with the exception of one, facilitation. This basically says that a crowd while actually help a person do better. The difference in this happening and stage fright is the persons self confidence of how well they have it down.

Answer 5

ur problem is that you want to be perfect, so if you dont play like u expect u will get upset, sad , and angry.
hope for things but dont expect them.
nobody is perfect, so u dont have to be worry about that. just take it easy u will win the game

Answer 6

I think that you should picture yourself doing well in the game. Picture yourself in your uniform in the gym. You will do well then.