Extreme nervousness before matches

[innoVAShaun]

Do some warmup exercises such as jogging, jump rope, or side-stepping around cones. Some of my matches weren't until late that afternoon and I'd be doing these exercises early in the morning because I couldn't sleep due to the anxiety.

[LuckyR]

Originally Posted by Capt. Willie

Alprazolam.

Propranolol wouldn't make her drowsy.

[TheMagicianOfPrecision]

Originally Posted by momtogrif

Does anyone else get really anxious before a match, even hours before it's set to occur? I'm looking for strategies to quell the butterflies. I don't know why the nervousness is happening but it leaves as soon as I'm on court. Weak legs, nausea, etc and it's killing me.

I don't want to give up playing and I don't want to go on anxiety meds b/c I don't handle any kinds of meds very well. Guess I just want to know if I'm the only one or if there's hope???? Thanks,

B

Oh god yes, when i was younger i didnt wanna talk to anyone 1 day before a big match, and the worse ones were when I played players from the same club, it was horrible, i couldnt sleep, my food grew in my mouth and I threw up lots of times, felt like a million butterflys in my stomach, and i would even shake minutes before a match. Good old times, that was the time when i still was hungry for victories.

[momtogrif]

Originally Posted by TheMagicianOfPrecision

Oh god yes, when i was younger i didnt wanna talk to anyone 1 day before a big match, and the worse ones were when I played players from the same club, it was horrible, i couldnt sleep, my food grew in my mouth and I threw up lots of times, felt like a million butterflys in my stomach, and i would even shake minutes before a match. Good old times, that was the time when i still was hungry for victories.

So, did you ever do anything for this? Did your parents help you out or were you already out of the house? What about a sports psychologist, etc? Do you think that would have helped you?

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by snoopy

There's nothing wrong with being nervous as long as it doesn't incapacitate you.

I recall watching an interview with Oscar Robertson, a player who has won more basketball championships than any other player. He said he was nervous before every game he played.

Minor nit: Oscar Robertson was a great HOF player with the Bucks but he is not close to having won more basketball championships than any other player.

Were you thinking of Bill Russell?

As to the OP, I used to get nervous to the point of vomiting and freezing up when I ran track in high school. The best mile I ever ran in H.S. was at a road meet I wasn't scheduled to run in, so I had gone out partying until 3am the night before. At 6am at my house I get a call from the coach saying he needed me to run after all. At 8am I had my best race ever and I was so relaxed you could have knocked me over with a tiny feather. The mind is a funny and powerful thing.

[TheMagicianOfPrecision]

Originally Posted by momtogrif

So, did you ever do anything for this? Did your parents help you out or were you already out of the house? What about a sports psychologist, etc? Do you think that would have helped you?

No, I didnt,my parents knew about this and could easily spot it so they just let me be. This was when i was 10-15 years old...I talked to my coach about but it wasnt any easy solution, my club was very good and there were tons of great players so it was always very competitive. Any sign of weakness you would get steamrolled.

[dbusiness]

Originally Posted by momtogrif

So, did you ever do anything for this? Did your parents help you out or were you already out of the house? What about a sports psychologist, etc?

3 years of psychology trying to help you overcome your problem here.

It's unclear if you are playing matches against new people you haven't met or just matches in general.

The things you do before a match, make sure your equipment is in good order,
have you put in the practice, and workouts? On the way to the courts you should have some motivational or mood music that will have you feeling good, focused, and energized to play.

When playing someone new the uncertainty can be unnerving at times but that's what all the preparation is for. Having played off and on for a number of years there isn't much I haven't seen and if they are at the same ranking level the same will be true for you.

Just like any match you win some and lose some. If you lost your bruised ego always heals. Everyone here has a playing style they have trouble conquering. Playing singles and doubles, pushers, dinkers, hard hitters, spin artist, and on hard courts and clay makes you into an all around player who has weaknesses but these will be less visible to your opponent.

I'm like Melanie Oudin in that I don't care if you have the best coach, equipment, or if you've beaten someone who beats me when I go on the court. I believe in my game and know that I belong there.

From the limited amount that you actually write about yourself and not your children I would say you lack confidence, are unsure, are a developing player, who needs to work with a varity of playing styles to be successful.

This will not happen overnight this problem will gradually lessen as you develop on the court over the next 2 or 3 months if you work at what I advised.

[BMC9670]

I have this problem as well in tournaments and two techniques work for me:

1. Play the ball, not the person. I try and attain a deep concentration on the ball - even between points (when returning). The ball is the same every match while the people are different. Seems to help focus the mind.

2. Concentrate on your breathing. This is a Zen technique where you focus on breathing in and out - not fast or slow, just normal. If other thoughts enter your mind, turn back to thinking about your breathing. It's very calming and helps get the junk out of your head. You can do this anytime, even during the day before a match.

[Annika]

Ok now you're going to think I'm really crazy. BUT this weekend my hubby and I were first hitting then playing sets for almost 2 hrs. I was chomping on my spearamint chewing gum the entire time. I could chomp loudly or even blow bubbles. This is what I felt it did for me: Kept me focused; kept my throat wet; kept my calm

It's worth a try!

[r2473]

I heard that some of the top players in the game take meth and then wear wigs during the match. Give it a try.

[ttbrowne]

Originally Posted by r2473

I heard that some of the top players in the game take meth and then wear wigs during the match. Give it a try.

Worked for me...but now, I feel the sudden urge to write a book!

[Geezer Guy]

Originally Posted by momtogrif

Does anyone else get really anxious before a match, even hours before it's set to occur? I'm looking for strategies to quell the butterflies. I don't know why the nervousness is happening but it leaves as soon as I'm on court. Weak legs, nausea, etc and it's killing me.

I don't want to give up playing and I don't want to go on anxiety meds b/c I don't handle any kinds of meds very well. Guess I just want to know if I'm the only one or if there's hope???? Thanks,

B

Sounds a little like morning sickness to me. Have you tried peeing on a stick?

[Perry the Platypus]

In all seriousness have a beer about 15 minutes before the match. Works like a charm.

[TheMagicianOfPrecision]

Originally Posted by Perry the Platypus

In all seriousness have a beer about 15 minutes before the match. Works like a charm.

That advice is decent-if its not directed towards a junior.

[Perry the Platypus]

Well.....we are in the adult section.....

I did not in anyway intend to suggest that juniors should drink before a match.

However, for those over 21 (or whatever the age limit might be where you live) I maintain that it is a viable solution.....