The Importance Of A Pregame Routine For Athletes
Let’s face it. Many kids join sports teams to be with their friends. That means they love to chat with one another.
But you want them to feel confident and capable about their athletic abilities.
And when they talk with friends just before a game about last night’s party, a favorite book, or the goofy science teacher, their minds aren’t in the right place…
How can parents and coaches help kids focus on athletics—and not friends—just before a game or competition?
How can parents and coaches help kids understand that mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation just before a game?
First, encourage them to start with a simple routine to prepare for the game.
You want to set up a routine that helps kids transition from what’s going on in their lives to game time. Let them know that a half hour or so before they start playing, they need to put their phones away, stop chatting, and focus on playing or performing.
Their pregame routine should be pretty simple.
They can plan a strategy for the game, telling themselves, “I’m going to get to the ball early,” for example.
They can visualize themselves doing well in their sport. That might involve imagining how it feels to make a good free-throw shot.
They could focus on trusting in their skills. That means reminding themselves that they’ve done well in practice and should focus on just “going for it.”
Of course, none of these pregame routines involve chatting about yesterday’s math class!
We really appreciate feedback parents and coaches are giving us in response to our survey about pregame mistakes kids make before they compete.
We want to hear from you, too! We’re working on programs specific to your needs as sports parents or coaches.
If you have not done so, please complete the pregame survey so that we can focus as much as possible on your specific challenges!
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- Challenges for Athletes in the Age of Social Media
- Are Your Athletes Self-Motivated or Driven by Parents?
- How Sports Parents Can Help Kids Before Games
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We’re certain that, as a parent, you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life. And as a sports parent, you’d love for your children to reach their potential in sports. But encouraging your child to strive for greatness without pressuring them can be a challenge.
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