THEORY: Pressure is something that we handle in two ways. One is positive, the other is negative. Performers who handle pressure in a positive fashion are more likely to enjoy success. Performers who handle pressure in a negative fashion will not succeed. Pressure is something that we should enjoy.

PRACTICE: Identify different ways in which we cope during pressure. Make a list of your own emotions during both positive and negative situations. Relate these emotions and attempt to concentrate on your positive emotions and use these to block out negative feelings.

APPLICATION: In sport, we have moments where we are on autopilot. In contrast, we have had moments where we feel like quitting. Having identified your emotions in both situations, produce a list of the positive emotions and put these on your wall or in a book that you can refer to. Go back to this list each time you feel low or apprehensive about performance.