Why have I underperformed this season?

It is that time of year where a lot of GAA players are into the off season - club seasons have finished and you have probably had a bit of time to let things settle.

Some players are content with their performances and how the season panned out for them.

Others maybe not so much.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I know I’m better than what I showed” , I can empathise with you. You’re not alone. I have been in those positions as an athlete and I have spoke to players who have felt like this since the end of the season.

Underperformance isn’t usually about effort or ability. I have found that it is often about how we handle pressure. Here are a few patterns I often see when players feel they’ve fallen short:

• Avoidance: You might have been ready to perform, but in the moment, you find yourself struggling to get involved in the game. When confidence dips, we protect ourselves by avoiding situations that test us - often without realising it.

• Frustration: That feeling where you can’t stop replaying mistakes, or wondering why you couldn't get into the game, even two or three days later. It’s exhausting, and it makes it hard to move on and reset for the next challenge.

• Anxiety: Before games, there are sleepless nights, racing thoughts, feeling tight before throw-in. Your body goes into fight-or-flight before the game even starts.

None of this means you are a bad or a weak player. It usually means you care deeply about performing well, maybe a bit too much.

The good news is that these things can change.

As we know, like physical skills, the mental side of your game can be trained. You can learn how to manage nerves, reset after mistakes, and actually enjoy performing under pressure again so you can perform when it matters again.

As you look back on this season, it might help to ask:

• What did I learn about how I respond to pressure?

• And what would I like to do differently next time?

  
  

Want to talk it through?

If this sounds like you, or your son or daughter, book a free 20-minute call. If I’m not the right person, I’ll say so and point you to someone who is.

This post first went out in my weekly newsletter. To get the next one, sign up at the bottom of the home page.

Eddy