“There is no pressure when you are prepared.” These were words first year Colts Head Coach, Jim Caldwell, used to describe his feeling before the Super Bowl Monday night. We have all heard these words that if you practice and you are prepared, there is no reason to be nervous. I can say that I have even used them myself. However, if this is so true, then why do you see so many “well prepared” athletes crumble under the bright lights of competition?
Pressure is only a problem if you allow it to take control of the moment at hand. The goal is not to eliminate pressure but to harness its amazing power and allow your full potential to flourish rather than squander the opportunity to be great. After all, greatness is merely seizing the opportunity. No great athlete becomes a legend by simply practicing well. The legends are the ones that delivered when it counted, when everyone was watching, and when they feel there is no other option!
These athletes did not ignore the pressure but rather embraced it and came out the victor because of it rather than in spite of it.
To be frank, if you truly do not feel pressure in competition, then you do not care and you will never realize your full potential as an athlete or a competitor. Do not be oblivious to the moment, this is how the BIG moments pass you by and you are left asking yourself “what else could I have done”? You must train hundreds, thousands, even millions of times knowing that you will not only have to deliver one time when it counts but also that everyone will be watching, waiting, and expecting an outcome from you (good, bad, or ugly).
This blog will chronicle the challenges of preparing for and competing in pressure situations. I will highlight examples during the present competition season of the Texas Women Pioneer gymnastics team in their drive to capture a tenth NCGA National Championship and first ever birth to the NCAA regional competition in April of this year.
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