Mastering Pre-Game Jitters: The Pipeline Way

Written By Brennan Coe

Game day nerves are natural—they show you care. But at Pipeline Sports Performance, we believe that managing those nerves effectively can be the difference between an average performance and a standout game. Unlike generic training approaches, we focus on individualized strategies that help you build confidence, mental toughness, and resilience when it matters most.

If pre-game jitters have ever held you back, here are some key techniques we implement with our athletes to turn nervous energy into a competitive edge:

Develop a "Reset Button"

Mistakes happen, but dwelling on them hurts performance. At Pipeline, we teach athletes to create a "reset button"—a small action like tapping your chest, adjusting your hat, or snapping your fingers. This physical cue symbolizes letting go of mistakes and refocusing on the next play, ensuring you stay in control.

Harness the Power of Deep Breathing

Our athletes are trained to use breathing techniques that calm the nervous system and enhance focus. A simple method? Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. This slows the heart rate, relaxes muscles, and promotes a sense of control under pressure.

Use Visualization to Build Confidence

Pipeline athletes don’t just train physically—we train the mind, too. Before stepping on the field, visualize success—whether it’s making a key play, executing a perfect swing, or leading your team effectively. This mental preparation translates to stronger, more confident performances.

Reframe Mistakes & Stay Focused on the Next Play

Even elite athletes make mistakes—the key is how they respond. At Pipeline, we emphasize a growth mindset, helping athletes reframe mistakes as learning opportunities and shift their focus to what comes next. This mental resilience leads to faster recoveries and stronger performances.

Fuel Your Game with Positive Self-Talk

Your inner dialogue matters. Instead of letting doubt creep in, we train our athletes to use positive affirmations like “I’m ready,” “I’ve trained for this,” or “I thrive under pressure.” These statements reinforce confidence and keep the mind locked in on success.

Establish a Pre-Game Routine for Peak Performance

Consistency breeds confidence. Pipeline athletes develop personalized pre-game routines that include a mix of stretching, music, visualization, breathing exercises, and other mental prep strategies. These routines create a sense of control, ensuring they step onto the field focused and ready.

At Pipeline Sports Performance, we do more than train skills—we develop complete athletes who are physically prepared and mentally unstoppable. If you’re ready to take control of your game-day mindset and elevate your performance, check out our current classes below!

Brennan Coe

Coach Brennan Coe has been pouring his passion for baseball and knowledge of the game into young minds since 2011, when his playing career came to an end and his high-level coaching experience began. Since then, he has organized and led numerous coaching clinics throughout the Panhandle of Florida and has instructed thousands of hours of both private and group lessons.

After his playing career ended, Brennan bounced between jobs while finishing his degree — but he just couldn't get away from his love for the game. He worked for a few different academies, soaking up as much knowledge and experience as possible while working alongside several incredibly bright leaders. Unfortunately, in 2018, the academy he was employed at permanently closed its doors.

Across all of Brennan's time as a coach, he has always taken pride in studying and analyzing countless hours of different hitters, pitchers, and position players to constantly match the knowledge of the game. This passion, along with the extensive database of experience and knowledge he collected during the years before, fueled the development of Pipeline Sports Performance.

Brennan loves getting to know each kid who walks through doors at Pipeline and build positive relationships with them that will impact their lives forever.

Coach Brennan Coe graduated from the University of West Florida in the Summer of 2017 with his degree in Sport Management. He is a co-founder of multiple travel organizations and is the founder of the Pipeline Prime organization. He is also certified by USA baseball in 4 categories.

Brennan was a three-year varsity starter/closing pitcher at Navarre High School from 2005-09. He was awarded MVP his senior year and pitched a no-hitter in the '09 All-star game. After high school, Brennan received a full baseball scholarship to Wallace Community College. The following season he transferred to Delgado Community College, where his team won the Region XXIII Tournament. 

Previous

Building a Brotherhood the Pipeline Way
Next

Pause, Reflect, and Push Forward: A Guide for Athletes—The Pipeline Way