Pressure

By Pierre Narcisse

Pressure comes in many different forms. Everyone will have to deal with it at some point in his or her lives. The way that one deals with pressure is a strong indication of whom that person really is. There’s pressure that is important. Every day our leaders make decisions that effect millions of people, not to mention the impact it may have on future generations. Pressure in sports is generally not important. Ironically, the pressure in sports can be the most intense. That intensity can make anyone nervous, and consequently not do well or not participate at all in sports.
Many children do not want to try to play competitive sports because they feel the pressure. Overbearing parents, family and coaches can have a negative influence. They then have to deal with their little buddies that don’t let them forget if they did not play well. Kids want to have fun and think that playing is not important. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. It comes to the point that only those that have natural talent try to play organized sports. This is bad because with practice and guidance, the kids with lesser ability can do just as well. Coaches can encourage or demand the proper exercise that will help them keep fit, perform better and prevent injury. This is crucial because good habits can take form at an early age. This is something that kids can remember and utilize for the rest of their lives.
Many adults do not play in their local sport leagues because of pressure as well. Many prefer to just play pick-up games. Pick-up games can be very good exercise. However, people can just play them whenever they feel like it. It does no good to go to the park and play a few games and then don’t play for a few weeks after. In an organized setting there is the premise that you are good enough to compete and take somewhat seriously. The fear of looking bad in front of family and friends and makes some people not want to play. This is likely the worst reason not to play your sport of choice. It is supposed to be fun first and foremost. It’s harder as an adult to compete in sports because most have to work or they have responsibilities that take them away from the game. It’s very easy to get complacent and gain a few pounds and lose interest in the sport altogether. A few pounds can turn into obesity. Approximately 60 percent of all Americans are considered overweight or obese. Any type of organized sport is great because it gives structure, even the local recreational league. I’m referring to real sports where dexterity and exercise is required. Chess is not a sport. Neither is bowling, golf or auto racing. The real sports give you a goal to attain and you have to work hard for it like anything else. I see so many guys that had promise and was so active get so fat that it is ridiculous. The combination of getting older and less activity is not a good one. This is a trend that the U.S needs to address and reverse.
Most professional athletes have to deal with pressure. They are under the microscope in front of millions of people watching on television and thousands in the stands. Alex Rodriguez is the best baseball player I have ever seen play. He has played horribly bad in the last two post seasons for the N.Y Yankees. The pressure to do well is clearly getting to him. He has the most ability out of everyone in baseball and it still affects him. It shows that pressure can affect anyone at anytime. There are ways that you can erase or at least alleviate some of the pressure when competing in sports. 1.Breathe Deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose, drawing air deep into your lungs. 2. Muscle Relaxation. Contract a group of muscles tightly. Keep them tensed, for about five seconds and then release. 3. Visualization. Visualize success before it actually happens. Imagine you are hitting a perfect shot, hitting a homerun or catching a touchdown pass. Then on game day, you can recall your stored images to help calm nerves. Positive thoughts can go a long way. 4. Mindfulness. Try not to let negative thoughts creep into your consciousness. This is when the sport stops being fun and feels like a chore that you have to do. It is important to remember your love for the game. Don’t let anything take that away from you. Play ball and have fun!

Work Cited

www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/sports_pressure.html