Friday, January 29, 2016

Game Day Routine

A routine is as simple as it sounds, a set of behaviors and thoughts a person engages in. For athletes, this could be at the free throw line, before going up to bat, and kicking a field goal. But what about the day of the game? Do you have a routine that you follow every game day? More importantly, do you know what to include in your routine, and when to include it?

As a college athlete, you probably already engage in certain behaviors before the game, such as putting your uniform on the same way and eating the same meals. You might also run through certain thoughts to calm yourself down or energize yourself in preparation for a game. These routines help prepare your mind and body for your game or task. Routines tell your mind and body that you are comfortable and ready to play the game. They allow you to be in control of your equipment, body, and mind so that you are fully prepared for performance. Below are steps and tips on developing an effective routine.

Creating a Game Day Routine
  1. Create a list of everything you must do before competition
    • Some elements to consider: meals, competitive tactics, equipment, physical and technical warm up, mental preparation (imagery, self talk, relaxation, increase arousal), and going to the bathroom.
  2. Create a timeline of the above elements in preparation of competition. 
    • Take into consideration travel time to the gym, locations in the gym, etc. 
    • Consider where you need to be to complete your routine. For example, if you need to relax, is there a quiet place you can be alone?
  3. Finally create a schedule for completing your routine. 
    • Include time it take to prepare. 
Tips for Game Day Routines
  1. Be open to changes. 
    • Being able to develop and fine-tune your routine will take practice. If part of your routine isn’t working for you, figure out why and consider making changes to your routine. 
  2. Repetition 
    • Making sure you run through your routine before every game is important. By running through your routine before every game, you are making sure your mind and body is ready to go regardless of the competition.
  3. Time
    • When creating or fine tuning a pre-game routine, it is important to know how much time will be needed for you to prepare. This is extremely important when you are playing on the road. 
  4. Personal 
    • Your routine should be personal to you. Just like mental skills, one routine might work for you but not for your teammate. 
The above tips will be helpful in creating or fine tuning a game day routine. It is important to remember to use these routines at every single competition to train your body and mind to be prepared in all situations that may arise. By going through your routines for every single game or task, you will be prepared to use it in stressful situation.

Bernadette Compton 
Bowling Green State University 

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