Books Discussion Forums Psychology Resources Meditation Center Send Postcard Laugh on Us Self-help by Email Precompetition Routines in Sport by Timothy M. Suchan Precompetition routines are useful in setting athletes' arousal to a level that is comfortable and also gives a sense of control and readiness when entering competition.
Routines also help to maintain attentional focus and block out distractions.
In choosing a routine, athletes should recall in the twenty-four hours that preceded a past excellent performance, the pattern of activities, psychological skills, or actions that were used. Precompetition routines should be individualized to the athlete and the sport. Some athletes may only need to do something as simple as listen to music prior to every competition or warm up in the same manner. Most athletes, however, need to employ a relaxation technique in order to decrease the anxiety that competition evokes. In using psychological skills during precompetition routines, athletes must avoid negative imaging or self-talk.