We’ve all been there…just about to go on and perform and your body seems to be freaking itself out. When in challenging or threatening situations, the body reacts in a way called the FIGHT, FLIGHT or FREEZE response…increased heart rate, faster breathing, sweaty hands, butterflies, dry mouth and tense muscles. If these responses are extreme, then nerves become a problem because your performance will be hindered. This is called CHOKING. It may begin with a simple thought about something other than your technique or your “game plan”. It also relates to a fear of consequences…afraid to lose, afraid of looking bad, afraid of letting people down. These fears may emphasise the fight/flight/freeze response and so you start to feel more awkward and tense instead of being in control and letting things just flow naturally. The key is to monitor and understand the feelings of nervousness and then channel them in a constructive direction. What needs to be remembered is that you cannot eliminate the tendency to choke, but you can reduce its effects.