Fear of mistakes in sport: how to compete more freely

• avoiding actions that are risky but necessary
• freezing after the first inaccurate movement
• constant self-criticism
• waiting to see how the coach or parents react

• being punished for mistakes in the past
• perfectionism
• comparing yourself with stronger athletes

1. separate the mistake from your worth as a person
2. set a time limit on the review after training
3. practise deliberate mistakes in safe drills

1. rate the consequences of a mistake from 1 to 10
2. a recovery phrase after a miss
3. take one useful conclusion from the review
4. practise the next action after a mistake

Mark which statements match your situation. If two or more apply, it is worth discussing the topic with a specialist.

• After a mistake I cannot get back into the game for a long time.
• I choose easy actions so I will not make a mistake.
• The coach's criticism knocks me off badly.
• I am afraid of letting the team down.

If the challenge keeps recurring, lowers your results, or affects sleep, recovery or your desire to keep training, it is better not to wait for it to take hold. Sports Talk helps you start with an assessment and find a specialist for your situation.

A goalkeeper started playing deeper in the crease after letting a puck in. A short protocol helped: name the mistake, choose the next action, get back into the stance.