For many athletes, it is common to experience stress and worry right before a game. While the effects of this pressure may vary, one popular way to cope is through pre-game rituals. These rituals are the backbone of an athlete’s preparation, ranging from listening to certain pre-game songs to wearing specific clothing. Let’s have a look at some of the most common ones.
Special Clothing
Many athletes wear particular clothing or accessories on game day. While these items may not directly impact performance, they can boost confidence and reduce stress by making athletes feel ready.
Some items also hold sentimental value or are thought to bring luck. For example, NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan famously wore his University of North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform, a nod to his 1982 NCAA Championship win with UNC.
Music
Listening to music is a powerful way for athletes to get into a good mood and manage stress. The right song can help them reach a necessary level of focus and set aside all distractions outside of the game. Famous track and field athlete Mohammed Ahmed listens to sentimental music before each meet to connect with positive memories.
Stretching
Stretching is both a sentimental ritual and a practical step in preparing for games. Besides calming the mind, it is proven to increase mobility and flexibility by loosening up the muscles and increasing blood flow and circulation. Stretching is a ritual that provides significant physical benefits, making it valuable to all athletes.
Food and Nutrition
Proper nutrition pre-game is essential for performance, energy, overall lifestyle, health and mood. Many athletes have specific pre-game meals to ensure that they are physically prepared. NBA superstar Lebron James carb-loads with salmon, quinoa, bread, grilled fruits and a protein shake. Others have favorite foods they associate with game-day tradition, as NBA player Jayson Tatum prefers chicken, his childhood favorite.
Ultimately, pre-game rituals can be crucial for managing stress and improving performance. Finding the proper routine that perfectly balances sentiment and practical benefit is vital to helping athletes feel their best.
