Youth Inc. Recommends: ways to stay calm under pressure

Dealing with pressure is an important part of sports at every level. No matter what or where you play, there’s always pressure. The tighter the game and the higher the stakes the more pressure there is. 

Focusing, keeping it as simple as possible and blocking out the noise are important ways to deal with pressure. But all that is easier said than done. To help with this, we found some terrific resources to help athletes deal with pressure. 

Improving performance under Pressure 

What it is: A terrific blog post from Brett Johnson of SwitchedOn training that outlines training methods to improve performance under pressure. 

Why we like it: The breakdown of why athletes choke under pressure, along with a comprehensive (and cool) diagram, makes the points in the piece brilliantly. Trust us, read this. You won’t be disappointed. 

How To Stay Calm Under Pressure  

What it is: A blog post by Misty Buck of Purpose Soul Athletics on how athletes can stay calm under pressure. 

Why we like it: This piece identifies several ways to look at pressure and then follows up with a bunch of techniques to stay calm under pressure. The motivational quotes from many successful athletes are a nice touch.  

The Secrets to Dominating Under Pressure

What it is: A blog post by Pedro Gormaz of Neurotacker on the secrets of dominating under pressure in sports. 

Why we like it: We love how this piece is organized in categories. Training under pressure, concentration under pressure, taking control over distractions, using dual tasks to push nuerophysical limits and mastering your optimal state. 

What You Do Off The Field Matters 

What it is: A TikTok video from professional soccer player Brittany Wilson about how to do all the little things off the field to get ready and combat pressure. 

Why we like it: We love informative and inspirational videos and this one has it all. Quickly moving and relatable this insider’s look is cool and effective.