Handling Postseason Pressure
In the postseason, it’s not a different game, but it can feel like a different game if you let it.
During the postseason it feels like there is a lot more pressure.
You feel like:
Every play matters.
Every mistake has an impact.
You HAVE to be at your best.
You should be peaking right now.
You can’t let your team down.
There is so much more weight put on the postseason. And I get it. Everything you’ve done throughout the season has added up to get you to this point. You don’t want your season to end. You want to end the season celebrating with a trophy in your hands.
But, this added pressure makes you feel like you’re playing a completely different game. Even though it's the same game you were playing a month ago.
The pressure to not lose, to not mess up, to be perfect in the postseason won’t allow you to show up at your best.
You’ll feel:
Anxious about the result before the game even starts.
So tense, you make mistakes that you don’t ever make.
Stressed over what your coach and teammates will think if you don’t perform your best.
Like the game is over, when the other team scores first. Even though there’s plenty of game left to come back.
Being in this headspace doesn’t allow you to play YOUR game. You’re in your head. Overthinking every move. Your emotions are all over the place. And, you can’t keep your focus on one play at a time.
So how do you manage the pressure when the pressure is at its max?
Manage your thoughts about the postseason. Curb the negative thoughts, doubts, and worries. You’ve got to believe in your abilities. Trust that everything you’ve done throughout the season has prepared you for this moment. And know that you deserve to be there!
Manage your nerves and anxiety. Do you have anything that helps you relax and stay loose? Whether it’s listening to music, deep breathing, stretching, meditating, journaling. Find what works for you to manage the nerves and anxiety when it arises.
Stay present in the moment. This starts with not letting your mind go to what if thinking or thinking about worst case scenarios. Instead focus on one moment at a time. Flip your what if’s to positive what if’s. Think about the best case scenarios. Become aware when your mind is thinking in the past or too far ahead. Then, bring your focus back to the present moment.
Visualize what you want to do. Don’t visualize what you don’t want to do. Don’t replay the play you messed up on. Visualize performing at your best and how it feels.
Have fun! Even though it’s the postseason, you should be having fun! I think about Jimmy Butler in the NBA playoffs and how he is playing at the highest level and yet having so much fun while doing it. So, remember what brings you joy and know that you aren’t defined by the final results of the season.
Making these mindset shifts will allow you to:
Feel calm and confident in the postseason.
Trust yourself and your training.
Consistently play YOUR game in high pressure games.
Stay loose and relaxed.
Have fun while competing at a high level!
In the Mindset Mastery Program, we will make sure that whether it’s postseason or a regular season game you can’t feel a difference. Your game doesn’t change when the season is on the line because you’ve built your confidence, you’ve got the mindset tools, and you know how to handle pressure situations.
Schedule a consultation today to begin putting in the mental reps!