Focus on yourself to beat opponents who intimidate you!

All of us meet opponents during competitions who are either taller or stronger than us or look more confident. Many a times it so happens that despite being better players of our particular sport, these opponents seem to psych us out and make us play below our potential. More often than not, we end up on the losing side because of their intimidating presence.

Believe me, it isn't the opponent who psyches you out. It is you, yourself who gets psyched by your opponent's looks or the things he does before or during the competition. He may even say a few things to upset your rhythm, but it is you who allow yourself to be psyched out. It is our mind that plays tricks with us, telling us that the opponent is stronger or taller and that he will blow us to smithereens.

Is there a way out? There sure is. Just concentrate on yourself. Become aware of your movements, take deep breaths, and concentrate on your game. Trust you body and forget about the opponent, for paying attention to his movements or his facial expressions can make you uptight. Once you start getting nervous, your confidence dips and you stop playing your normal game. So, the secret to beating intimidating opponents is to concentrate on your strong points, focus on yourself and playing within yourself. Do not, for god's sake, try to do to do something extraordinary, for you will then fall into your opponent's trap.

Remember: 'Life's battles don't always go to the faster or stronger man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can!' Focus your attention on your game, your body movements and your breath and very soon you will see the intimidating opponent crumbling to pieces!