This article provides a basic definition of anxiety and its two different types: Trait anxiety, in which nervousness is a personality trait in an individual; and state anxiety, which refers to temporary feelings of anxiety in a particular situation. Also, a distinction is drawn between anxiety and phobia.

Symptoms may include a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms and muscle tension. Athletes can begin to overcome anxiety by working to control brain waves, body temperature and blood pressure. The article prescribes a specific breathing technique that any athlete can use to soothe pre-competition nervousness, anxiety or jitters.

The article is housed at BelievePerform.com, which collects articles on sports psychology.