Youth Players Experience Startling Pressure From Sports
By Searrah Herendeen
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The word competition is associated with rivalry, pushing past your limits, long hours of training, and medals. Athletic competitions have turned friends into enemies, family fun into family feuds, and teammates into challengers. The Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games wants athletes to compete to the best of their abilities, but they want them to stay happy and energized. Sports can create tense situations that put pressure on the athlete. Family members, teammates, coaches, and individuals must help players overcome this pressure.
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You Have to win
It isn't always the athletes that are pushing players harder. Families, coaches, and friends want to see a player make that winning shot. They know an athlete's potential and want to help them unlock it. Sport is a way of living; a simple falter would turn an athlete's life upside down.
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you have to do Better
Stress in sports can be from a variety of things. A player may get injured during a game. Depending on the injury, they may be unable to play or the rest of the game, season or even be done playing competitively. Recovering from an injury adds another level of stress. During a game, there is the stress of doing the best and making every shot while blocking out the competition. Yelling from the sidelines can overwhelm athletes and cause them to mess up. A bad call from a ref can increase stress levels too. There may be a team disagreement that raises everyone's stress.
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Balancing busy schedules
Pressure from performing doesn't stay on the field. Balancing sports, school, and family can take time and effort. It can become mentally and physically exhausting. Athletes may find it hard to relax. They are always focused on the next task and event. Sleep helps the body recover, but not getting enough sleep can cause problems.
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Meeting expectations
To go to college, some athletes rely on their abilities. Athletes who are good at their sport can get into a prestigious college. Performing subpar or losing a few games may cost them that. That is devastating for teenagers who expect to have a plan after high school.
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The impact of pressure
Extended periods of stress can cause burnout. It can hurt physical and mental health. There is little motivation to do things that were once rewarding. This type of exhaustion will make athletes doubt themselves and their capabilities. Pressure and stress can also lead to anxiety and depression disorders.
Stress doesn't just hurt an athlete's mental health. It can cause physical problems like headaches and injuries. Shortness of breath and high blood pressure can also be caused by stress. Even the body's gastrointestinal system changes due to stress. The bacteria in the gut change and, in turn, will change a person's mood and may create pain and discomfort in the stomach area.
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Be supportive
Every athlete needs to have a robust support system. Focus on the things the athlete is doing well. Refrain from dwelling on what the athlete didn't do during a game. Refrain from shouting commands from the sideline when the athlete is playing. Create a safe space for open conversation by being nonjudgmental. Take the athlete seriously when they are voicing their concerns. Teach them how to control their stress levels with healthy coping mechanisms like deep breathing exercises. Do not compare them to another player. Help them balance their schedule by creating a calendar or priority list. Encourage healthy eating and maintain a sleep schedule.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.