Top athletes practice the way they want to perform. They often make practice harder than competition, so when the time comes to perform, they are ready. It is very important for the student-athlete to make a successful physical, mental and emotional transition from “student” to “athlete” prior to practice. Developing a pre-practice routine will help prepare your athletes for “peak practice.”
Have your athletes write out their responses to the following:
• What do you need to do to be physically ready for practice?
Suggestions include: eating a light snack, drinking water or a sports drink, getting treatment at the training room, having a routine for changing clothes.
• What do you need to do to be emotionally prepared? How can you create the feelings you need for “peak practice”?
Suggestions include: listening to music on the way to practice (to either relax, calm down or to pump up), creating five minutes of quiet time to visualize having a peak practice, talking and laughing with someone, smiling!
• What do you need to do to be mentally prepared?
Suggestions include: reviewing your training notes, selecting 1-2 goals for practice and writing them down.
Have your team take a few minutes to write down their personal preparation plans for practice. Next, have them put their plans into action – it will help them perform their best.
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