Before Game
Activate performance energy and nervous system control
Game performance requires both physical readiness and optimal nervous system state — not too calm (which dulls reactivity) and not too anxious (which creates tension). Power breathing combined with coherence breathing creates the ideal state: activated alertness with complete nervous system control.
Most athletes do power breathing (rapid activating breath) 5-10 minutes before competition to increase alertness and readiness, followed by calm breathing right before competition starts to settle any remaining excess activation. This two-step approach optimizes nervous system state for performance.
Regular breathing practice in training builds the mental toughness and nervous system flexibility that makes pre-game breathing more effective. Athletes who develop this skill gain significant competitive advantage through superior nervous system control.
Benefits
- Optimizes nervous system activation level
- Increases alertness and readiness
- Maintains calm control under pressure
- Reduces performance anxiety
- Builds mental toughness
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do activating or calming breathing before a game?
Both, in order: Power breathing first (5-10 minutes before) to activate and ready yourself, then coherence or calm breathing right before competition starts to settle excess activation.
What's the ideal nervous system state for performance?
You want to be activated and alert (not sleepy) with complete calm control. This is sometimes called 'confident readiness' — fully ready to go but not anxious.
How much does pre-game breathing matter compared to training?
Training is fundamental, but pre-game breathing can make the difference between good performance and great performance in competition. It's the mental equivalent of a warm-up.
Related Breathing Exercises