Listen to your favorite music. I recommend something that you know the words too or has a catchy beat. Nothing pumps you up more than a song with a good drop or lyrics that are motivational!
Take time to focus on breathing. You might be nervous, jittery, or over confident before the game has even started. Take about 2-5 minutes to slow down your heart rate, close your eyes, and focus on the movement of your diagram, chest, nose, and mind. Listening to slow but upbeat music can be helpful or having a complete silent room might work better for you.
Scan your body. When you scan your body, the muscle will release tension and calm you mind down before a game. To do this, lay on the ground face up. Make sure there is space for your neck, hands are not clenched, tongue relaxed, and legs are straight out. Your eyes should be closed and pay attention to each body part separately. Start at the bottom of the body and move up. Take note on how each body part feels. This should only take 10 minutes and it will help get in the right mindset before a game!
Give yourself positive Self-Talk. It is easy to tell yourself you can do it, but how much do you actually believe yourself? Repeat these motivational phrases you tell yourself every morning. Even better, write them down on your notebook, bathroom mirror, closet door, etc. Anywhere you look at when you first get up in the morning. This way, you will have a little pick-me-up before the day even starts. Starting your day on a good note will give yourself confidence before competition time!
Be thankful to play. Be grateful for your personal life, playing the sport you love, you are able to be active, and you are still on this earth.
Visualize the game in the locker room. Imagine yourself scoring a goal, being 10 for 10 at the foul line, doing a victory dance after a touchdown, etc. Viewing yourself being success will make you successful.
Written by:
Sarah Grippi
Director of Basketball Mindset