Sports are a great way to have fun and stay active. Kids have
lots of choices about which sports to do and whether to compete in
sports or just play them for fun. One kid might be happy to shoot
baskets at the park, whereas another kid may prefer being on a
basketball team that competes against other teams.
Competition can make sports more exciting. But because somebody
wins and somebody loses, competition also can make kids feel
pressure. A little pressure can be OK. Too much
pressure
is bad news.
Does your mom or dad yell from the sidelines? Does your coach want
you to practice every day instead of a couple of times a week? What
if you thought you'd like being on the hockey team, but now you
want to quit? Read on to learn more about sports pressure.
What Is Competition?
There are different kinds of competition in sports. You may
compete by yourself, as part of a team, or both. For instance, a
swimmer or a wrestler might compete individually, but the
person's score may also contribute to the team score. If
baseball or soccer is your sport, you might be the lucky one to
score a goal or a run, but it usually takes a team effort to win
the game.
What all sports competitions have in common is that all of the
competitors want to win. But usually only one person or team
does.
Why Do I Feel Pressure?
Do you ever have "butterflies" in your stomach?
It's that nervous feeling some people get when starting a new
school, taking a first airplane ride, or gearing up for a big
soccer match. In sports, almost everyone worries about playing well
and doesn't want to make a mistake. Believe it or not, the best
player on your team and the teenagers who play on high school teams
get nervous before a big game. Even professional players feel
nervous sometimes!
Feeling a little excited or nervous is OK, though. This helps
your body and mind get ready to compete. Your body makes
adrenaline
(say: uh-
dre
-nul-in), which is a hormone that gives you extra energy. But if
you're getting so nervous that you aren't having much fun,
it's time to figure out why.
What Can I Do to Ease Pressure?
When you're competing in sports, you need a lot of energy.
One secret to having lots of energy is to get plenty of
sleep
. Be sure to get to bed on time or even a little early the night
before a big game. And don't forget to
eat
well on game day.
One way to chase the butterflies away is by being ready to play.
Try to attend all of your team's practices. By practicing,
you'll improve your playing skills and your team will learn how
to work together. In some ways, playing a sport is like learning a
part in a school play or how to play the piano - the more prepared
you are, the better you'll feel and the more fun you'll
have.
Try to find a way to relax right before the game. You might take
a few slow, deep breaths or do some gentle stretches to warm up
your body. Some teams have a group cheer or huddle before heading
onto the field. Let any tension you feel melt into the excitement
of the first play.
Time for a Change?
If these steps don't help, and you feel sick or
sad
about your sport more than you feel happy, you should talk with
your parents or coach. Too much pressure can come from your coach,
your parents, your teammates, or even from yourself. If your coach
or parents are making you nervous, talk to them about what would
make you feel more confident during practice and games.
A grownup also may be able to help you cope with pressure
you're putting on yourself. Some kids want to be experts at a
sport, right from the start. But becoming skilled at a sport often
takes a lot of work over many seasons.
If the pressure is too much, it's OK to decide that you want
to take a break from sports competition. You might decide to return
to the team next season. Or you might keep doing your sport, but
without being part of a team.
If neither one of those solutions seems right, it could be time
to try something new. There are dozens of sports and activities
that kids can do. Your job is to find the ones that you like best
and do them regularly. With or without a team, you'll win by
being an active kid!
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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