20/05/2026
Sport Psychology Toolbox -29
Reinterpretation of performance anxiety
Performance anxiety in sports or other high stakes environments is one of the key issues that we are asked to work with as sport psychologists.
Performance anxiety (PA) can look different for each performer.
Some may have more of a physiological reaction, I.e. one or more of the following: pressure across the chest, heart racing, sweating, feeling nauseous, butterflies in the stomach. Others may experience PA more cognitively such as catastrophising, a loop of negative thoughts, doubts, losing confidence and the ability to focus. Of course we may experience anxiety both cognitively and physiologically all at once.
One of the ways we can support performers is by recognising what form anxiety takes for the individuals we work with. This isn't always apparent for every performer to start with. Trying to just avoid performance nerves will likely backfire as that can make us even more anxious about being anxious.
Once we can name the sensation or thoughts, we can help the individuals reinterpret them.
For example feeling the heart racing doesn’t necessarily mean that you will fail just because you are nervous - it can signal to the individual that they are ready for the challenge, energy levels are heightened ready to go and help them focus on the task ahead.
How do you experience performance anxiety?
