Handling Nerves Before Big Games
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
Nerves don’t mean weakness — they mean you care.
For Athletes: Turning Butterflies Into Fuel
3 Ways to Handle Pre-Game Nerves
Breathe into confidence. Slow, deep breaths calm the body and sharpen focus.
Stick to your routine. Familiar actions signal safety to your brain before competition.
Reframe nerves. Tell yourself, “I’m excited,” instead of “I’m scared.”
2 Quotes to Remember
Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who earn it.”
“Nerves are simply energy — direct them toward performance.”
1 Question to Reflect On
What’s one way I can turn nervous energy into focused action today?
For Parents: Supporting Confidence, Not Stress
3 Ways to Help with Pre-Game Nerves
Normalize it. Let your athlete know nerves are common — even pros feel them.
Keep your tone calm. Your presence should steady, not heighten, their emotions.
Remind them of preparation. Confidence grows from the work they’ve already done.
2 Quotes to Anchor You
“Calm is contagious.”
Maya Angelou: “Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Before a game, do my words add calm or add pressure?
For Coaches: Leading a Team Through Pre-Game Anxiety
3 Ways to Guide Athletes Through Nerves
Acknowledge, don’t dismiss. Validate their nerves, then point to their preparation.
Provide structure. Consistent warm-ups and routines reduce uncertainty.
Set the emotional tone. Athletes mirror your energy — stay steady and confident.
2 Quotes to Coach With
Doc Rivers: “Average players want to be left alone. Good players want to be coached. Great players want to be told the truth.”
“A calm coach creates a confident team.”
1 Question to Reflect On
How can I help my athletes see nerves as fuel instead of fear?
Big games will always bring nerves — but when handled well, they become the very spark that fuels peak performance.
With you in the process,
David Lovell
Founder of the F.O.C.U.S. System | Mental Performance Coach
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