Developing Routines For Better Pregame Preparation
Do you feel prepared before a match?
How do you feel physically and mentally? Ready?
Is there a routine you follow before each match that helps you transfer into game-time mode?
A recent reader asked:
“How do I prepare mentally?”
Mental preparation, like physical preparation is crucial to a volleyball player’s game.
One way to prepare mentally before a match is to develop a routine that helps you move from your life to the role of “athlete.”
In college, I did the same three things before each game. I got dressed the same way, putting all my gear on my right leg and then my left.
That could possibly be classified as superstition now, though, I viewed it as part of my routine.
I then listened to the exact same song and said a prayer during the National Anthem.
Preparation and routine were so important to me as an athlete, that during my eight years as a volleyball coach after college I continued to say a prayer during the National Anthem before every game.
When I’ve met with volleyball teams in the past as a mental coach, typical issues have been consistency, preparation, and getting in the right “mindset” to play.
The first things I always do in those sessions is ask who has a pregame routine.
Usually, only a couple of players have a routine they do before each game, and it’s normally just a music playlist.
I stress the importance of having a routine…
It supports a volleyball player’s transition from the life into athlete mode. It also helps an athlete get hype, ready, and focused on what’s in front of them.
An important element of a pregame routine is that you want it to resonate with you.
It needs to be significant to you as an athlete and tap into your individual personality.
For instance, a setter I worked with told me her routine before a game was to set on the wall, a specific physical warm up.
Then, she would wash her hands and listen to a playlist of about five songs.
I asked her why she washed her hands before and her explanation was that she wanted her hands to be clean.
She felt that if they were “dirty,” she might double.
Essentially, she was wiping her slate clean and starting fresh before each match.
Similar to this player, you want a routine that’s unique to you and helps you mentally prepare for a game.
If it doesn’t mean anything to you, you won’t consistently do it.
Success is largely just a matter of consistency.
A pregame routine is the BEST way to prepare for a match, both physically and mentally….
Dr. Cohn and I have a new audio and workbook program coming out just for volleyball players and coaches–to improve mental preparation.
But we need your help to spread the word and get other players and coaches’ input!
You can take the volleyball survey here:
The Mental Game of Volleyball Feedback
We’d appreciate if you tell us about the mental game challenges you and your volleyball players face and how we can help you improve your mental game in volleyball.
Below is a link to a short survey. It should take only one minute of your time. (Of course, the survey is anonymous.)
This survey will give us the input we need to bring you the most relevant and practical information about how to improve your mental toughness in volleyball.
Please take one minute to complete this survey. In return, you can download a free bonus to improve serve receive mental preparation:
Mental Game of Volleyball Survey
Boost Your Self-Confidence With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Expert mental game coach Dr. Megan Melchiorre can help you or your team overcome volleyball mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Megan Melchiorre herself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
Dr. Megan Melchiorre is a mental game coach specializing in volleyball and is the newest member of the Peak Performance Team. She competed collegiality in volleyball and coaches club volleyball teams.
You can learn more about our mental coaching programs for volleyball players here.