Drey Ricks | How Laughing Eases Pressure Before a Game

Drey Ricks believes that laughing before a game decreases sports performance anxiety, also called sports anxiety or competitive anxiety, which is incredibly common; approximately 30-60% of athletes experience it.

As a Basketball Performance Therapist & Analyst, Drey Ricks has identified, sports anxiety in young athletes starts with self-sabotage. Players may unconsciously set themselves up to fail by skipping breakfast or going to bed late the night before. Self-sabotage, in short, provides an “excuse” for a bad performance. Of course, a lack of preparation can also worsen your anxiety. From there it ramps up until lashing-out. Sometimes people express their worries through anger, shouting at teammates, or getting physical with opponents. Ultimately in young athletes, this will lead to poor performance. If young players are distracted and discouraged, chances are they won’t bring your A-game.

Drey Ricks suggests that before a game it’s crucial that young athletes get proper hours of rest, and sleep with the TV off so their mind can stay focused on the task at hand. The most important
thing they can do the morning of a game is to eat breakfast and begin their pre-game routine hours
before the actual game. Drey Ricks knows this will help with sports performance anxiety.