Panicking while playing hockey

Question
Hi i currently weigh 104 pounds and I am A 5ft 2 13 year old girl. But when ever i play any type of hockey i always seem to panic and make bad decisions with the puck or ball. Do you have a reason for this and how i can stop it i would really appreciate it.
THANK YOU

Answer
Hi Eden...

Well first things first - relax....  you are not alone!!  This happens - even to the best!

It pretty much has to do with a certain lack of confidence.   This can come from a couple areas.  
1. not enough practice
2. thinking too much
3. peer pressure
4. just not having fun!
(there are others - but these would be the main ones!)

1. If you are only playing once in a while and only in "games" - you may just need to practice - on your own - when it really does not matter if you succeed, make right decisions or even panic...  just "play" / practice...  your skills will improve - and then so will your confidence...

2. If you are "trying too hard / thinking too much" that can get confusing too....  this is where you just need to relax and trust your skills that you get from practice...  of course you need to have practiced enough for that too!

3. If someone is telling you "negative" things - then that is not good --- you need to block them out or get away from them!!!!

4. If you are not having fun, if you really don't LIKE playing the game - then that can show up as panic.  YOU GOT TO BE PLAYING FOR YOU - not for your parents or for someone else.   YOU MUST LOVE THE GAME -- and IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK!

Make sense??

Know that these are general type answers and may not exactly be your case --  but could be.  If any of these bring up more specific questions for you - PLEASE feel free to follow up!  i will be glad to elaborate and or answer more questions to help you out!

it's a great game and a ton of fun to play...  

Hope this helps!

GOOD LUCK!

Martial