Mental issues.

DublinGAA96

Hi lads. This could be a difficult situation so I'll try my best to explain.

I'll start by saying that I'm 16 years of age. I'm playing at the highest level. The first round of Championship is in 2 weeks time and I feel I could have a bit of a mental problem, or positional. In terms of my hurling though, I'm flying it. My touch is perfect, I've been training hard and fitness is good too. But I feel my head is letting me down. My confidence is just down, quite down to be honest. Even though I know my hurling is fine, my head is just down. Training matches haven't been going too smoothly, I've played good but I know I can do more. I should be full of confidence and people are getting the better of me that shouldn't be. It might have something to do with my position. I've been playing loads of places in challenge games but haven't a notion where management will put me.
I like being settled so this isn't helping. The work is done, so what mindset should I have going out to play? What sort of mental attitude? I'm a worrier about my performances and reflect a lot
Too. Should I just not get worked up
And not worry? I need a confidence booster, any advice? I'm sorry for my post being so long aswell, I just couldn't really explain it any other way. I hope it is easy to understand.

Alaska1

Relax and see your GP.

You will be fine come match day.

blackbelt

DublinGAA96 wrote: »

Hi lads. This could be a difficult situation so I'll try my best to explain.

I'll start by saying that I'm 16 years of age. I'm playing at the highest level. The first round of Championship is in 2 weeks time and I feel I could have a bit of a mental problem, or positional. In terms of my hurling though, I'm flying it. My touch is perfect, I've been training hard and fitness is good too. But I feel my head is letting me down. My confidence is just down, quite down to be honest. Even though I know my hurling is fine, my head is just down. Training matches haven't been going too smoothly, I've played good but I know I can do more. I should be full of confidence and people are getting the better of me that shouldn't be. It might have something to do with my position. I've been playing loads of places in challenge games but haven't a notion where management will put me.
I like being settled so this isn't helping. The work is done, so what mindset should I have going out to play? What sort of mental attitude? I'm a worrier about my performances and reflect a lot
Too. Should I just not get worked up
And not worry? I need a confidence booster, any advice? I'm sorry for my post being so long aswell, I just couldn't really explain it any other way. I hope it is easy to understand.

My advice is actually not to dwell on it too much.When you do, all you do is constantly tense up and put more pressure on yourself to perform.I went through something similar a couple of years ago.I do not play at the top level but a break away outside of training and matches can sometimes be a good thing.Maybe shoot a round of golf or go away for a few days if you can and when you come back to it your mindset will be more relaxed.

There is way too much pressure on young lads like yourself.It is how you deal with it that matters.

DDC1990

DublinGAA96 wrote: »

Hi lads. This could be a difficult situation so I'll try my best to explain.

I'll start by saying that I'm 16 years of age. I'm playing at the highest level. The first round of Championship is in 2 weeks time and I feel I could have a bit of a mental problem, or positional. In terms of my hurling though, I'm flying it. My touch is perfect, I've been training hard and fitness is good too. But I feel my head is letting me down. My confidence is just down, quite down to be honest. Even though I know my hurling is fine, my head is just down. Training matches haven't been going too smoothly, I've played good but I know I can do more. I should be full of confidence and people are getting the better of me that shouldn't be. It might have something to do with my position. I've been playing loads of places in challenge games but haven't a notion where management will put me.
I like being settled so this isn't helping. The work is done, so what mindset should I have going out to play? What sort of mental attitude? I'm a worrier about my performances and reflect a lot
Too. Should I just not get worked up
And not worry? I need a confidence booster, any advice? I'm sorry for my post being so long aswell, I just couldn't really explain it any other way. I hope it is easy to understand.

I havn't played at the top level but I know a good few who have and have played with some who have.

Before any big college game, they used to just do anything to take their mind off the match coming up. Play Fifa. Have a kick about (Hurlers) or a puck about (footballers). Read a book. Go to the cinema. Hang around with your mates.

Come game day, they were always able to lift it, starting with the morning of the match. Keep yourself hydrated, eat at the right times, and eat the right sort of food.

With good preparation comes good performance, keep telling yourself that, because that should raise your confidence. You seem to have had great preparation, playing well in training etc.

I will stress that what works for one person, might not work for the next, so you really need to try a few things yourself, and see what works best for you. No one can overcome a mental issue for you, you need to relax and go into the game confident, but aware of the challenge ahead. If it doesn't go right on the day fúck it, you are 16 years old and have 20+ years left in hurling. Tony Browne played till he was almost 40 for Waterford! Remember that however big you might think the next game is, its only a small stepping stone in terms of your career, so enjoy hurling at this level!

Good luck with everything!