4 Strategies to Handle Those Pre-Game Nerves in Lacrosse

Pre-game nerves affect lacrosse players at every level—from youth leagues to professional fields. But here’s the good news: those butterflies in your stomach can fuel your performance when you know how to harness them properly.

Let’s transform those jitters into your competitive edge with proven strategies for handling those pre-game nerves in lacrosse.

How to Handle Pre-Game Nerves in Lacrosse

Develop a Consistent Pre-Game Routine

Ever notice how professional athletes follow the same patterns before competition? There’s science behind this practice:

• Create predictability: Establish a consistent sequence—equipment check, warm-up exercises, visualization—to create a sense of control.
• Time it perfectly: Work backward from game time, allocating specific minutes for each element of your routine.
• Personalize your approach: Some players need energy-pumping music; others require quiet reflection. Honor what works for you.

Your routine serves as an anchor, providing stability amidst the pressure of game day. When everything feels unpredictable, your routine is constant.

Master Your Breathing

Your breath directly influences your nervous system. When pre-game anxiety strikes, try these techniques:

• Box breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.
• Tactical breathing: Used by military personnel in high-stress situations—inhale through your nose for four counts, hold, then exhale through pursed lips.
• Diaphragmatic breathing: Place one hand on your chest and another on your stomach. Breathe so only your stomach hand moves.

Just 60 seconds of intentional breathing can reset your nervous system and bring clarity to your pre-game mindset.

Visualization

Elite lacrosse players don’t just physically practice—they mentally rehearse:

• See success vividly: Imagine yourself executing perfect passes, shots, and defensive moves in specific game scenarios.
• Engage all senses: What does the field smell like? How does the stick feel in your hands? What sounds surround you?
• Visualize overcoming challenges: Mental rehearsal of recovering from mistakes builds resilience before you step onto the field.

Practiced regularly, visualization creates neural pathways that enhance performance when game day arrives.

Reframe Nervousness as Excitement

That racing heart? Those tingles in your stomach? They’re identical to excitement. The only difference is how you label them:

• Change your self-talk: Replace “I’m nervous” with “I’m excited to show what I can do.”
• Focus on opportunity: Every game presents chances to demonstrate your skills and improvement.
• Embrace the challenge: The presence of nerves means you care about performing well—a positive indicator of your commitment.

Join Us at Lacrosse Camp This Summer!

Want to practice these mental performance techniques in a supportive environment? Our expert coaches are ready to help you improve all parts of your lax game at one of our 2025 GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps this summer. Find a location near you and sign up today!