The pre-start state
The pre-start state is an athlete's psychophysiological condition before a competition, which determines how ready they are to perform.
Definition
The whole set of physical and mental reactions that arise before the start: changes in pulse, breathing, thoughts and emotions. It comes in three types — competitive readiness, pre-start fever and apathy.
How it shows up in sport
The optimal state gives composure and energy; too much arousal brings fidgeting and errors, too little brings flatness and under-performance.
Related tests
The Sports Talk tests on pre-competition anxiety help you assess your level of anxiety and arousal.
Exercises
The state is regulated by breathing before the start, the pre-start routine and activating breathing.
Related terms and issues
See pre-start fever, state of competitive readiness, and the issue of pre-competition anxiety.
Related topics
See also
When you need a personal review
If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.