People tend to underestimate how difficult it can be, both mentally and physically, to attend the next game after being off from an injury or losing the last game. They are different scenarios, yet the outcomes are usually like one another. During pre-game warmups you begin to feel anxious, the adrenaline is high, and your mind is racing. Most likely worrying about ’what if I injure myself again’, ‘what if I have become worse’, ‘what if the team are much better than ours’. The dreaded ‘what if’. This is the worst phrase you can fill yourself with. Thinking of all the poorest possible ways the game could turn out which ultimately breaks through all the positives. Then comes doubt. Doubt of yourself, your team, your ability to play well. When the game finally starts, the mentality you have is very weak which will negatively impact on your performance. After the first 15 minutes, that is when you start to feel better but by then it may be too late as the opposing team could have a great start. 

Naturally when returning to a game everyone can get anxious, but it should never take over, this is easier said than done of course but as soon as you begin to spiral into the anxieties, self-deprecation etc. you have already lost. There are 2 main thought that can combat the negativities: trust and belief. Trust in the rehab you have being going to if you were injured. Trust in the coach who would never put you in the game if they didn’t think you could cope. Belief in yourself as an individual and belief in your team when playing together. With these 2 thoughts alone, you will go into the game optimistic. Thinking of the future and how it may turn out can be toxic as its simply something that no one knows or can control Therefore, it is far more beneficial/ healthier to focus on the present and how you manage these situations to come out the best performer you can be! 

Hope Murphy