As games and meets get closer, many athletes rely on pre-game routines to help them prepare both mentally and physically. These routines can include warm-ups, music, or team traditions that help athletes feel ready before competing.
Freshman gymnast Sally Barnett begins preparing before she arrives at a meet. She makes sure her hair is done and that she has everything she needs. Once she arrives at the meet, she starts warming up by running, stretching, and practicing before rotations. Something that really helps her stay focused is to visualize her routine.
“I imagine my routine in my head,” Barnett said, “I try to think about what it would look like if I did the routine perfectly and it really helps.”
Right before performing, she reminds herself to stay calm despite the pressure.
“I just try to tell myself to breathe and that it’s okay and that I got it,” Barnett said.
Freshman volleyball player Harper Petrotta also follows a consistent routine. Before games, she gets ready in her uniform and arrives early with her team to watch the game before theirs and warm up together.
Before serving, she repeats the same steps each time to settle herself.
“I hold the ball. I hit it 3 times. I spin it in my hand, I take a deep breath, and sometimes I say, ‘I got this,’” Petrotta said.
Team huddles also help build energy and get everyone excited before the game.
“We basically just hype ourselves up, and we usually scream and stuff to get the energy up,” Petrotta said.
Senior gymnast Nolan Barnett takes a more experienced approach to preparation. Before meets, he focuses on basic habits like eating, drinking water, and stretching. He also thinks a lot about his routine to stay focused.
“I think about what I am going to do, and I try to visualize my routines. After I salute, I try to lock in and give my best,” Barnett said.
His self-confidence is built on the practice and training that he has done in the past weeks.
“I trust the practice that I have done and the reps, and I believe that I can do it,” Barnett said.
As a graduating senior with years of experience, Barnett has some advice for younger athletes to make routines look better and feel easier.
“Focus on breathing,” Barnett said.
Freshman soccer player Shane Pierce tries to keep his routine simple, but also relies on positive energy.
“I usually listen to music and then eat a little snack,” Pierce said.
On the field, he warms up by juggling and passing a soccer ball with his teammates. Being around his team and feeling the energy of the crowd also help him to get ready and focus on the game. As kickoff approaches, he begins to think about the game and how it is going to go.
“A lot of things go through my mind right before kick off, like my family and how I’m about to play for them,” Pierce said.
No matter the sport, pre-game rituals help athletes focus and get ready to compete.
