Top 6 Ways to Prepare for an Upcoming Sports Competition

Whether you are a high school athlete, a collegiate one, or someone who plays in the professional leagues, preparing for an upcoming competition is, perhaps, just as important as the competition itself.  And with so much at stake and on the line, being ready for the game takes both mental and physical strength.

That is why, below, we are going to discuss and review the top 6 ways to prepare for an upcoming sports competition.  These hints and tips can be used at all levels of competition and will help you to overcome any internal fears and nervousness you may have and will also better help you to play at your peak.

Why is it Important to Prepare for an Upcoming Competition?

While it is important to practice and prepare for an upcoming game or tournament through actual practice, the window before an actual competition is, perhaps, more important than the time dedicated to perfecting your craft. 

Through nervousness and anxiety, the period before an actual game can prove to be both stressful and nerve-wracking and improper preparation can lead to both failure and performance anxiety. 

That is why, particularly within the 24-hour window before a game or competition, you should take specific steps to prepare for the actual game and ensure that you are both mentally and physically prepared for the competition.

Ease Up on Training

While seemingly paradoxical, the period immediately before a sports competition is one that should be focused solely on the upcoming game.  As such, you should reduce and ease up your total levels of training both in the gym and on the court.

Admittedly, for many athletes, the time spent at the gym or on the court is, perhaps, one of the most calming moments.  However, immediately before a game or competition, the risk of injury or being overfatigued is simply too great to risk.

As such, it is highly recommended to ease up on your total levels of training and workouts immediately before a game or competition.  And while this does not mean foregoing any and all levels of training, you should limit the intensity and strenuousness of any training completed.

Remain Hydrated

We’ve previously discussed the importance of remaining hydrated, particularly before a basketball game.  However, the same can be said before an upcoming game or competition.  As many sports competitions are intense, highly physical tournaments, you will want to provide your body with sufficient amounts of proper fluids to compete at your best.

Similarly, due to the loss of water via sweat during a competition, you are likely to endure bouts of cramping, muscle fatigue, headaches, and levels of exhaustion.  These ailments, while admittedly not deadly, can affect your overall play on the court and may lead to more significant injuries.

And one of the best ways to avoid these ailments and predicaments is to drink more fluids.  Water and other electrolyte fortified sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade should more than suffice in helping you to avoid those discomforts.

Visualize Yourself Winning

Perhaps cliché, however, it is important to prepare for an upcoming game or competition by being optimistic on the results of the match and visualizing yourself winning the game.  While most sports are a physical competition, there are mental components to the game which can affect the outcome.

As such, having an optimistic attitude and outlook as you enter the game will help you to achieve success.  You should take some time to visualize the game, remember the playbook, and envision yourself taking the necessary steps to help you, and your team, overcome any adversities in your way.

Eat a High Carbohydrate Dinner

While many athletes, particularly those looking to gain muscle mass, will eat foods high in protein, you should not skimp out on a high carbohydrate dinner the night before a big game or competition.  Foods such as rice, potatoes, bread, grain, and wheat are all food items which provide high carbohydrate value.

Carbohydrates, while having a bad rap in recent years, are a food source that provides your body with energy.  As such, these food items help your brain, kidneys, heart, and central nervous system to continue to function in a normal manner and will provide you with a boost of energy when your reserves are running low.

Get in the Right Headspace

While the right headspace is, admittedly, different for every individual, you should learn what yours is and attempt to enter into it before the start of the game or competition.  Whether done via meditation, listening to motivational music, or simply talking to friends and family for some healthy motivation, these acts will help you to calm your nerves and prepare for the upcoming game.

In addition, learning how to enter into the right headspace will help you to better prepare for any future games and competitions.  Your body will learn to understand these ques and will better adapt to their influences when a game or competition is set to begin.

Focus on Technique

Lastly, while you may be feeling jitters and nervous before the start of the game or competition, remember to focus on your technique and the fundamentals of the sport.  All too often, players will attempt to divert from the basics and fundamentals in an attempt to overcome any fears and nervousness they may feel.

Doing so will not only place you at a disadvantage but will likely cause your team confusion.  Rather, remember to focus on your technique and the fundamentals which you’ve practiced time and time again.  Focusing on technique and the fundamentals will allow you to remain calm, collected,  and comfortable throughout the game and will help you to better overcome any feelings of nervousness you may have.