The greatest challenge that athletes have is to play their best when it really counts. Regardless of the level of competition, whether a championship, nationals, the Olympics, or the Stanley Cup, every athlete needs to rise to the occasion of the big game (I will use 'game' to denote any sports competition including those that are races and meets). That goal is accomplished by working hard in practice and being as prepared as you can be as the important game approaches
Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for your next big game!
The days leading up to the big game are crucial to achieving your competitive goals. You have to get your equipment dialed in, you need to get some rest, and you might do a little fine tuning on your technique and tactics. But the area that will probably make the biggest difference in whether you play your best or get crushed is your attitude toward the big game. Your mindset will impact every psychological contributor to your competitive performances including your motivation, confidence, intensity, focus, and emotions. A healthy attitude will set you up for a psychology that will allow you to play your best. An unhealthy attitude, by contrast, will only set you up for failure.
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