Dear "Head" Coach - “I’m a high-rated fencer, but in competition I get too relaxed when I fence people I think I should beat. They’ll get ahead and I have to scramble to make a comeback. It’s embarrassing and I shouldn’t let it happen. What should I do?”
“I always get really nervous before a tournament. I’m concerned about fencing people I’ve never fenced before. What do I do?”
Think back to your last tournament. You were probably standing in the venue, looking around at all of the new faces. Remember when the pool was called, and you and the rest of the fencers in the pool are at the strip waiting for the referee to arrive? I can recall how I felt at that moment. My heart would be racing and my chest would feel tight.
Sport psychology is something that we often hear about, but may not know exactly what it is. It is the principles of psychology used in a sport setting. Sport psychology consultants look at how psychological aspects control an individual’s physical performance, and how competition in sport affects their psychological development, health, and well-being (Weinberg & Gould, 2003). Unfortunately, it is often viewed as something necessary for the weak-minded competitor who has “issues.” The reality is that the mental game of sports affects every athlete, no matter what their strengths or weaknesses may be. Sport psychology can help any fencer strive to meet their potential.
“I’m a high-rated fencer, but in competition I get too relaxed when I fence people I think I should beat. They’ll get ahead and I have to scramble to make a comeback. It’s embarrassing and I shouldn’t let it happen. What should I do?”
“I always get really nervous before a tournament. I’m concerned about fencing people I’ve never fenced before. What do I do?”
