Pressure is inevitable in sports. It reveals who you are. The best athletes and coaches don’t avoid it—they embrace it. But how they handle it varies. Some rise to the occasion, while others crumble under the weight.

The Leaders
Under pressure, leaders take charge. They remain composed, set the tone, and bring confidence to their team. These athletes and coaches understand that pressure is a privilege, and they use it to fuel their focus and execution under bright lights and in big moments.

The Followers
Some athletes look for someone else to set the example. They feed off the energy of a strong leader and perform best when they can trust the direction being given. This isn’t necessarily a weakness—every team needs players who can execute under guidance. 

The Freezers
Pressure can cause some to shut down. They hesitate, second-guess, or become paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. This happens when an athlete’s focus shifts from execution to outcome—worrying about failure instead of staying present. The best way to overcome this? Training under stress and using mental cues to stay locked in.

The Speeders
For some, pressure makes them rush. They move too fast, forcing plays and losing control. Athletes who speed up under stress need to focus on slowing their breathing, trusting their training, and letting the game come to them. Clarity beats chaos every time.

The Slow-Downers
​Some athletes instinctively slow things down in pressure situations. They take deep breaths, stay patient, and let their instincts take over. The best competitors know how to control time—not by changing the clock, but by controlling their perception of it.
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Pressure reveals who you are. Do you rise or do you shrink? The key is recognizing your natural response and training your mind to react in a way that benefits you and your team. How do you handle pressure?

Control your breath.  Your physiology directly influences your psychology.

impact winning

How do you impact winning?  

The real question might be, what are you willing to do to impact winning?

The how comes from the what. If you’re not willing to put in disciplined reps over and over and over, you won’t impact winning.

When you show up, whatever your ritual is, your mind is ready to keep the pressure on your improvement.  Improvement designed to impact the success of the team.

No matter how much you get to play, execute your practice in a way that is important to helping your team win.

Sometimes it’s good to go fast.  Sometimes it’s good to slow things down.  Don’t confuse pressure with speed.  It could be but it doesn’t need to be.  

Your mind is your greatest asset and you can train your mind at practice just like you can train your body.   

You are limited in what you are capable of physically.  There is no limit to what your mind can do.  

Establish a standard that accepts mistakes as opportunities to better prepare and impact winning.

Winning is not judgmental and does not compare.  

It doesn't matter what focused, disciplined and productive practice looks like.  Winning doesn't care.  The only thing important to winning is the work and the quality of the work.

impact winning

Define what success looks like to you.

Create a process strategically. Sit down and take a look at what it will take to reach your definition of success.

Commit to the process fully. Whatever you decide to do, don't let anything get in the way. If you're committed you'll find a way. If you're not, you'll find an excuse.

Work with discipline consistently. Put in the work as often as your process requires, even when you don't feel like it.

Trust the work and compete freely. Confidence comes from preparation.