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Controlling anxiety
Up and coming players should know that all players get anxious at some time. This is perfectly normal. The difference between good players and the other players is often nothing more than how the players deal with their anxiety.
How then do we deal with anxiety? Firstly concentration and relaxation, as discussed in other articles in this series, are two useful tools for fighting anxiety. The absolute key is to get your mind off the current situation while remaining in the situation. Any mental activity that can succeed in this regard will help with anxiety.
What to do; here are some ideas (in no particular order);
- Before a big match listen to music.
- remember your greatest victories,
- remember how your team last won against that team if that helps,
- talk about something other than table-tennis if your confidence is high,
- relax and breath deeply in a quiet place,
- meditate in a quiet place and focus on breathing evenly and without effort,
- visualise playing at your best,
- repeat your favourite verse/chorous from your favourite song,
- take a warm leisurely bath or shower if you can.
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