Fear of losing: when the result becomes the whole point

• panic when the score is level
• irritation at the opponent
• wanting to withdraw or skip the start
• tears or anger after the result

• self-worth tied tightly to winning
• expectations from family or the team
• no way to review a loss without blame

1. decide in advance what a good performance looks like besides the placing
2. keep a log of strong actions
3. plan recovery after the tournament

1. a map of what you control and what you do not
2. three conclusions after a loss
3. rehearse a neutral reaction to the score
4. a short talk with yourself before the decisive moment

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

• Losing feels like a catastrophe.
• After a loss I avoid the team.
• I think a win would solve every problem.
• I find it hard to watch a recording of a match I lost.

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 tennis player lost the ends of sets once the score reached 5–5. Sessions added scenarios for the key points and a separate review of how he behaved at that score.