Performance Anxiety in High School Athletes: A Parent’s Guide

Performance anxiety is not a sign of poor athletic ability. It frequently shows up in the most talented athletes — the ones who have the most at stake in the performance. Bergen County's competitive athletic programs make it especially common.

What Performance Anxiety Looks Like

Strong performance in practice that does not translate to games. Pre-competition stomach issues, racing heart, or sleep problems. Cognitive changes — overthinking, mental blanks, self-talk that spirals. A drop in enjoyment of the sport.

Why It Happens

The brain interprets competition as a threat and activates fight-or-flight physiology. That physiology is useful in short bursts and catastrophic for fine motor control and decision-making. In athletes, performance anxiety is usually a physiological problem with psychological content attached.

What Actually Helps

Learning to regulate the physiological response — breathwork, pre-performance routines, mental rehearsal. Reframing the meaning of the anxiety ("my body is ready" vs "something is wrong with me"). Addressing any underlying perfectionism or parental pressure layered on top.

What Does Not Help

"Just calm down." Pushing harder. Pretending the anxiety is not there. Escalating the stakes.

When to Get Help

If performance anxiety is causing the athlete to consider quitting, if it is affecting sleep or appetite, or if it has persisted across a season, sport performance therapy is worth considering. Fort Lee Psych works with student-athletes across Bergen County.