Before Competition
Prepare mind and body for peak performance
Competition at any level requires optimal nervous system state — activated and ready without anxiety. Pre-competition breathing protocols activate performance energy while maintaining calm control. Most elite competitors use breathing as their primary mental preparation tool.
The standard pre-competition breathing involves power breathing (rapid activation) 15-20 minutes before, followed by coherence or calm breathing 5-10 minutes before competition to settle any excess activation. This two-phase approach optimizes nervous system state for performance.
Consistent breathing practice in training builds mental toughness and nervous system flexibility that translates directly to better competition performance. The difference is often measurable and significant.
Benefits
- Optimizes nervous system activation level
- Maintains calm control under pressure
- Builds mental toughness and confidence
- Prevents performance anxiety
- Accesses peak performance state
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between pre-game and pre-competition breathing?
The principles are the same: activate then settle. Some sports need more activation (power sports), others need more calm (precision sports). Adjust the balance to your sport.
Should I do visualization or breathing before competition?
Both. Many athletes combine breathing with visualization — breathing first to set nervous system state, then visualization while in that optimal state.
How much does pre-competition breathing improve performance?
Significant for many athletes. The difference between good performance and great performance is often entirely nervous system management, which breathing directly controls.
Related Breathing Exercises