6 Ways to Prepare Yourself for a Big Game

The key to being successful in big games is in the preparation. Winning is a habit and developing it requires you to prepare yourself mentally and physically for competition. The best part of playing sports is playing in big games. Whether the it is a championship or the season opener, the excitement is always intense. Competition is what makes athletics such an awesome part of life. It teaches us to perform well in the face of adversity and pressure. Below, you will find six elements of preparation that will get you ready for a big game.

1. Visualization

Visualization is a useful tool for all athletes. The night before your big game, think about what you want to accomplish. Imagine the shot you want to take, the pass you want to deliver, and the defense you want to play. Think about what makes you great and lock in on it. Every player can think of a time that they were disappointed with their performance in a game. Decide how you can avoid your previous mistakes and play better in the big game.

2. Sleep 

Try to get between eight and nine hours of sleep the night before your big game to rest your body and mind. Sometimes it’s hard to sleep when you are excited, but experiment with different methods to find out what works for you.

3. Diet

Food is energy.

Everything you put into your body in the 24 hours before competition will influence how you play.

Carbohydrates are very important because they provide long-term energy. If your sport requires endurance, carbs help you run for longer without tiring. Stay away from fatty or fried foods, and avoid large meals within four hours of competition. You want to be fully digested by the time you take the field.

Learn more of what you should be eating before—and after—competition here. 

What are the best ways to prepare for a big game?

4. Stretch

The importance of stretching cannot be stressed enough. You should begin stretching the day before the big game. Tight muscles are responsible for countless injuries that are easily avoidable.

Thoroughly stretch your legs after practice, before you go to bed, and after your pre-game warmup. Note that stretching is more effective when your muscles are already warm.

5. Routine

The best athletes in the world have specific routines that they follow every game day. You don’t need a precise ritual, but consider using at least some form of routine for each game. Practicing some form of discipline will put you in the zone before a big game, and offer a comfortable, controllable expectation before competition.

6. Coaching

To play to your full potential, you should speak with your coach before the game. Your coach can tell you what he or she expects of you and what you should expect of yourself. A good coach can give you the extra push that you need to be successful in the game. They have experience and insights that you might not yet have.

The Bottom Line

If you properly prepare yourself for a big game, you will be much more successful in it. Being nervous for these big games is not a bad thing (learn how to ease big-game nerves here). The secret is converting that nervousness into motivation and excitement. Every good player loves playing in a big game because there is no better feeling than winning one.

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