Defense Mechanisms
Competition can be stressful. With all the pressure, you will surely feel nervous. Your opponent may be very challenging. Trying to win may make you mentally and physically tired. Your mistakes may be frustrating you. Together, all of this can put a lot of stress on you and your ego. It is uncomfortable. You may want to release the stress and return to your comfort zone. Many athletes do this by using defense mechanisms unconsciously. Here are some examples of defense mechanisms. Most of them consist of excuse making, giving up, and choosing lower goals over higher goals. All of this causes you to play worse. Situation thoughts/emotions Defense mechanism result Losing to an underdog This is embarrassing. This makes me look so bad. Tanks, gives up, doesn’t try anymore. This gives you an excuse for losing. You lost only because you weren’t trying. This protects your ego and makes you feel better. Since you gave up and became less motivated, you will play worse and