DO NOT LET FEAR AFFECT YOUR GAME IN SPORTS

DO NOT LET FEAR AFFECT YOUR GAME IN SPORTS

By: Stan Popovich

Sometimes, fear and anxiety can get the best of us in sports. The key is to know how to manage that fear and anxiety. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that an athlete can use to help manage their fears and every day anxieties.

Occasionally, we you may become stressed when we have to play in an important round. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you have to play in the championship golf game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that you are playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could read the newspaper, listen to some music or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This is a great technique to use right before your next game.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that you can carry around with you. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you. Whenever you feel stressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a small walk before your game to help you feel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Remember that patience, persistence, and education will go a long way in preventing fear from becoming a factor in your game.

BIOGRAPHY:

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Down to business. Off-season training rolling along?

This is the time of year that concerns me. It is only March turning into April and I see way to many football players, mostly high school and younger waisting their time doing essentially bodybuilding workouts. Please if you can get some help from a pro; you will not only give yourself a chance to play varsity, but more importantly get your body ready for the pounding. Mom and Dad don't really want to put healthcare reform to the test!

(Pictured) Nate (On the Bench) with training 'pahtnuh' the mysterious 'Biggie Shorty White'

Here is a suggested workout split for football, assuming training camp starts in early August:

Monday-Chest and Back

Wednesday-Shoulders, Biceps, and Triceps,

Friday-Legs. (The how and what can be acquired at US Sports Online Strength and Conditioning).

Tuesday And Thursday would be set aside for speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training. I know there is a movement afoot to try to do it all in each workout. Let me preface this next statement by stating that I am a certified strength and conditioning coach with 35 years experience. The combined strength and SAQ with cardio thrown in workouts are OK, but [which means 'zero' eliminating the previous statement] with the athletes that I have helped improve; who have focused during the off season on weight lifting on weightlifting days. SAQ on SAQ days have not only improved in all physical areas, but have in comparison avoided and recovered from injury faster than those doing the combo workouts now made popular by the crossfit phenomenon.

Not bashing the crossfit idea mind you just an informal observation.

So get to cracking now before the pads crack in August. Now I am aware of this little economic situation that many of you and your parents may be experiencing. Maybe a professional strength coach is not in the budget. So you may ask: Nate what can I do? Well there are many good resources on this 'internet thing' that are available to you. Ranging from free to a small fee.

So now you may ask: Well Mr. '35 years of strength coaching experience' what do you recommend? Funny you should ask! To help athletes like yourself or your sons or daughters, I started the US Sports Online Strength and Conditioning System. Click 'dat' link right 'der' and I can design and deliver your program online and you can take this guide to sports greatness....Ok at least getting into better shape for your sport, into your gym as early as tomorrow! Oh yes Mom, Dad, it is only $15 per month.

Tiga', Tiga' Tiga' Woods Ya'll!

Oh let the Shizzle Hit The Fizzle! [that one was for the kids]. Tiger woods will come back and be on the links which is the only place I want to see the world's greatest golfer.

I heard a radio host this mornings state that he has lost is iconic status. GOOD! Because if his name is not Jesus Cristo Rey then he can't be my role model. I can however appreciate his God given talent to put that little ball in that little hole better than anybody in the world.

So hate if you want to. I will appreciate as that is healthier for moi!

Tim Tebow just gained a new fan

Me! That's right yours truly who normally only likes 'playus' wit 3.9 40's and 100 inch verticals, will now go officially in the Tank for the 'Teebster'.

Not because he arguably was one of the most successful QB's to play the college game, not because he floated like a butterfly and threw (with a long release mind you) a stinger like a mutated Killer Bee. He ran for 57 TD's and was one of the most prolific of rushers in SEC history with over 3000 yards.

But those are not the reasons I have decided to give my unbridled support to the "..Bow". Nah the main reason is you, and you, and especially YOU! The haters. Why is it that when most people in the public eye who profess their faith and act on it become the object of scorn, jealously, envy, and unprovoked hate? Makes me ponder first who have I been hating on and how can I get over it.

No worries friends, I don't hate any of you, I would just like to open the discussion. What would be so wrong with Tim Tebow fulfilling his dream of playing the NFL and using it as a platform to be an instrument of God's love for all people? Even you!

Now mind you at this point I wouldn't want Tim Tebow as QB of my Raiders, but then again exhuming Sammy Baugh would be better than what we got in Russell. No hate just fact. Anyway I personally am hoping that Tebow becomes a hall of famer and proves the critics wrong to the point where a non-believer may say: "There is a God afterall"

Little Business Note: Your Ads Aren't Working

know your ads aren't working.

How do I know this?

Because I'm betting that you're probably getting a pathetically
low click-through rate and an almost non-existent conversion
rate out of those ads.

Let me explain.

The truth is, banner ads and link exchanges just don't work
anymore. People just ignore them completely.

Google and other major companies that get the bulk of their
profits from advertising have tried to counteract this
'banner blindness' by making ads different sizes
- which worked ... for awhile.

You can be the best graphic designer or copywriter in the
world - and it doesn't make one bit of difference. Your ads
still have a horrible conversion rate.

Want to know which kind of ads people don't ignore?
==> Header Ads.

The header is the area at the very top of a web page. It
usually includes the product name, maybe a photo of the
creator and a graphic of a software box or book cover.

It's also the very first thing people notice on a website,
and the very first graphic to load.

Now what if you could take this same header area from
someone else's site and put YOUR ads on it?

Can you see just how much more targeted that would be?
The site visitors can't help but notice it - which means
you get more click-thrus and more eager buyers coming
to YOUR site!

See what I mean at http://www.HeaderAds.com/13193

It's like getting someone else to do all the marketing
for you. All you do is sit back and watch as the customers
pour in!

And best of all - if you go to http://www.HeaderAds.com/13193
- you'll find out exactly how much this advertising costs:

Nothing!

But I should warn you. As soon as the big marketing
pros hear about this - their servers are going to fill up
fast. And once the space fills up, they might have to
start charging.

Get in now before it's too late - http://www.HeaderAds.com/13193

NCAA Basketball: Bowie State at Lincoln (Pa.) Postponed

(BOWIE, Md. -- February 10, 2010) Record-setting snowfalls continue to alter the 2009-2010 Bowie State University men’s and women’s basketball schedules. Thursday’s (February 11) basketball doubleheader versus Lincoln University of Pennsylvania have been postponed. No makeup date has been determined at this time.

Bowie State's next scheduled game is Friday (February 12) at Virginia Union University. The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Panthers will get the evening started at 5:30 p.m. and the men will tip-off at approximately 7:30 p.m. in VUU's Barco-Stevens Hall.

For more information log on to: www.bsubulldogs.com

Big Night in WCAC Basketball

Amongst the big games taking place in WCAC tonight. A cool double header with the Bishop O'Connell Knights looking to establish a rhythm as we get closer to the tournament, taking on the Good Counsel Falcons who have more than a puncher's chance of being the WCAC champion in late February.

Followed by #1 Dematha taking on those pesky Gonzaga Purple Eagles at AU which has become the unofficial home court for the Eagles.

It is going to be rocking in the Nation's Capitol tonight. If you can't make it, US Sports Radio will be bringing you live play-by-play of both games with a bonus HD Audio feed available so you will get bruised listening to the elbows and dunks at AU tonight. Coverage starts at 5:25pm EST at www.ussportsradio.com