Another aspect is when you feel you have to say something to the opposition about something they are doing that is distracting (whether intentional or not). For example when they keep going in your line of sight - that does distract me. I suppose I could in training get someone to do that so it doesn't bother me so much. Having to actually say something used to throw me off - but I've gotten better about that with more experience. I play slowly in competition, I find that gives me time to calm myself. But that's not going to suit everyone ...

@Deryck Smith "Learn to stay calm and relaxed" - if you could write a book about that Deryck, I could do with studying it 🙂 In fairness, I have gotten better over the last couple of years, so will continue making an effort in that direction

Belated notes taken after the meeting and some thoughts afterwards: # first step has to be actually being aware of what is happening in my head, - it's only then that I can respond i.e. do whatever is necessary to stop, or "turn down the volume" of whatever unhelpful thought are happening. # Making others too important (for whatever reasons). I tend to do this if I consider my teammates better than me. Thoughts: Shouldn't we want to do it for ourselves? Obviously I will want to play well for the team as well ... When I play well it's like there's an attraction there between me, the boules, and the desired outcome. There's also a calm (almost an emptiness in my mind?) # have fun. Smile - even if you've got to act it initially. This has helped me the most so far - I do tend to put myself under pressure, or get stressed when things not working out, so this helps. All the best, tom