Recognizing signs of performance anxiety in your athlete is vital for both the athlete and their support system in order to be able to address the issues effectively. Let’s explore some common issues:

*Irritability: If your athlete experiences performance anxiety, they might become easily frustrated or agitated, most times without a reason for it. This can present itself in irritability towards you, teammates, siblings, coaches, or even themselves. They may have a short temper or seem overly sensitive to feedback, pressure, minor setbacks or any form of perceived failure. They may even snap at others because they’re internally struggling with their own stress or fear of failure. They may also show frustration with their own performance, which can lead to outbursts or negative self-talk.

Tools you can use as a parent to assist your athlete: 

Just as physical training enhances strength, speed, and endurance, mental training strengthens focus, confidence, and emotional control. Athletes who incorporate mental training into their routines can gain a significant edge over their competition, handling pressure more effectively and performing consistently at a high level.

When it comes to MST the core components include: