Routines Mental Skills Training

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Routines One of the most important aspects of sports that athletes can develop to improve their training and competitive performances. Enable athletes to be completely physically, technically, tactically, and MENATLLY ready to perform their best.

Routines Most often used before competitions to make sure that athletes are prepared to perform their best. Routines can be developed in training to ensure that athletes get the most out of their practice time.

Routines Enable Control The only thing athletes can control is themselves. Sport routines can increase control over their performances by enabling them to directly prepare every area that impacts their sport.

Routines Enable Control What are some things athletes can control? What are some things athletes cannot control?

Routines Allow athletes to make their preparation more predictable by knowing they’re systematically covering every area that will influence performance. v=KHdNU3CRdjg v=KHdNU3CRdjg v=0fS91NjrJDE v=0fS91NjrJDE

Routines Prevents athletes from exerting unnecessary mental energy on a tedious task. allows athletes to use this energy, instead, to prepare for the upcoming event or competition. Nick Saban Lunch Example

Routine vs. Superstition 90 Days ago where were you when you brushed your teeth in the morning? What did you eat for breakfast? What time did you workout? What did you do before bed?

Routine vs Superstition Superstitions have no practical impact on performance Superstitions can be very detrimental to your mental health. – Teach you to be “rigid thinkers” – Focus on the outcome – The need for a “perfect” scenario Superstitions are based on “LUCK”

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Routines vs Superstitions Eliminate superstitious thinking and maintain healthy routines by becoming a “process thinker.” “Process Thinkers” believe control lies with them. “Process Thinkers” strive for EXCELLENCE not PERFECTION

Routines vs Superstitions You control your routines….your superstitions control you.

Developing Pre-Game Routine Be totally prepared to perform YOUR best. There is no one ideal routine for everyone. Pre-competitive routines are individual. Developing an effective pre- competitive routine is a progressive process that will take time before you have one that really works for you.

Developing a Pre-Game Routine Helps to write down your routine and to follow it as closely as possible. – Write down your routine, step by step – Make notes on what works and what doesn’t work Self-Discipline!!

Developing a Pre-Game Routine Things to consider – Time of game – Team schedule/agenda – Choose things that can be done anywhere – Food and drink

Developing a Pre-Game Routine Specific Items to consider – Pre-game Meal: 4 Hours before game – Warm-Up: 45 minutes or less before game – Need to get a full night rest the night before – Always think TEAM FIRST!

Game-Day Considerations Wake-up Breakfast Pre-game skate/activity Meetings/film Nap/Relax Pre-game Meal Pre-game preparations On-ice warm-up Game – Shifts – Intermission Post-game – Recovery….body & nutrition

Pre-Game Routine Practice, Practice, Practice!!! Fine tune and adjust accordingly Be flexible with your routine