A key to controlling competitive anxiety under pressure is to develop an effective attentional strategy to use before competition. This article: (1) examines the causes and psychological mechanics of pre-competitive anxiety; (2) provides athletes with an easily understandable mental strategy for practical use; and (3) provides coaches with specific guidelines for proper behavior. Here, the author discusses the role that coaches play in helping athletes reach their optimal mental state before or during competition and achieve peak performance. (Contains 1 figure.)