Expert: David Kenward - 8/27/2007

Question
i dont suffer quite so much any more but now and then i still panick and make stupid mistakes until i relax especially in new situations like joining a new club what can i do about this

Answer
Hello Jonathan.  Thanks for your question.

It sounds like relaxation training will help you a lot.  What this will do is help you get rid of excess tension and improve your confidence.  A method that will work for you is to take about five minutes where you can sit quietly, close your eyes, take a deep breath and tense your shoulders, than relax them and let that relaxation flow down your body.  Do that three more times.  Remember to breathe!  Then, focus on the best game you've ever had and the best club you've ever been in.  Do that until your time is up.  Practice this a lot.  Then, when you are ready to play, you can take a breath, imagine tensing your shoulders and relaxing them, remember that great game and/or club, and all of that relaxation and those positive feelings are going to come right back and you'll feel more relaxed and confident.