Ligtenberg explains the stress level on the basis of a graph, with on the y-axis performance. “What you see is that the moment you are in preparation for a competition, then the stress level goes up and therefore also the performance,” said the sports psychologist.
“The performance is also getting better. At a certain point there is a turning point. Then it’s about thinking about the results of competitions:” What if we don’t win this game, what if we don’t become a champion now. “That will only be performed until you ask yourself” What if I don’t play well. “