Pressure

Pressure

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?