The Head Edge Part 7
Topic: Developing a Pre-competition Routine
The goal of a pre-competition routine is to clear the mind of the stresses and strains of the day, and to prepare the body and mind to devote full attention to the upcoming challenge. It helps eliminate distractions and disturbances that would prevent one from performing at his/her optimal level.
Many consider Pelé, a retired Brazilian soccer player, to be the greatest to ever play the game. On a daily basis, Pelé spent time developing the mental edge. Below is a description from Mind Gym of Pelé’s warm-up routine, which was the same for each game that he played.
Topic: Developing a Pre-competition Routine
The goal of a pre-competition routine is to clear the mind of the stresses and strains of the day, and to prepare the body and mind to devote full attention to the upcoming challenge. It helps eliminate distractions and disturbances that would prevent one from performing at his/her optimal level.
Many consider Pelé, a retired Brazilian soccer player, to be the greatest to ever play the game. On a daily basis, Pelé spent time developing the mental edge. Below is a description from Mind Gym of Pelé’s warm-up routine, which was the same for each game that he played.
An hour before he stepped onto the field, Pelé went into the locker room, picked up two towels, and retreated to a private corner. Stretching out, he placed one towel under the back of his head, like a pillow. He covered his eyes with the other. Then he began to roll his mental camera. In his mind’s eye he saw himself as a youngster playing soccer on the beaches of Brazil. He could feel the gentle breeze. He could smell the salt air. He remembered how much fun he had and how much he loved the game. Pelé then hit the fast-forward button of his mental video. He began recalling his greatest moments in the World Cup and reliving the winning feeling. Then he let those images fade and began rehearsing for the upcoming game. He pictured his opponents. He saw himself dribbling through defenders, heading shots, and scoring goals. After a half-hour in solitude, alone with his thoughts and the slide show of positive images, Pelé did his stretching exercises. When he trotted into the stadium, washed in cheers, he knew he was physically and mentally prepared to excel.
Bottom line: A routine helps establish familiarity and aids in consistency, which allows one to more easily find the centered point where one is mentally, physically, and emotionally focused in the present moment. The byproduct of a solid pre-competition routine is a more consistent and predictable level of performance.
Luke MacLean
Annandale Middle School and High School Activities Director
Source: Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack with David Casstevens
Luke MacLean
Annandale Middle School and High School Activities Director
Source: Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack with David Casstevens