Pre-Performance Routines in Sports

Posted by Kim N.

If you're familiar with baseball, you've seen Nomar Garciaparra and his extensive pre-at-bat routine that he does with his batting gloves. Though it may look somewhat ridiculous to those watching the sport, Nomar and other athletes who utilize pre-performance routines have learned about an important aspect in being successful in sport. Such routines help prepare the athlete mentally for sport. The body begins to recognize the habitual behavior done prior to every activity (whether it's an at-bat, a free-throw in basketball, or prior to swinging a golf club) and helps communicate to the body to start to focus. It's not necessarily what's done in the pre-performance routine -- the importance is that it's positive (if you talk to yourself, it better be positive) and that it is consistent. Pick a routine and stick with it, whether your past swing/shot/etc was successful or not. As a result, you'll find the improvement in your focus and mental preparedness will eventually result in more consistent performances.