Page 21 - Mental Skills for Coaches

Objective – Develop a Pre-Performance Routine Time to Spend : 20 mins.
Today, lets design a pre-performance routine.
Moran defines a pre-performance routine as a ‘sequence of task relevant thoughts and actions which an athlete engages in systematically prior to his or her performance of a specific sport skill.’(Moran, 1997, p177). This definition highlights that a routine needs to be task specific, systematic and engaged with. In many sports pre performance routines are utilized in closed skill moments e.g. putting the ball or driving in golf. Pre performance routines help athletes focus and prepare for optimum performance. This involves a planned schedule for players to follow to bring consistency to performance.
Protocol
1. Develop a pre-game routine with coaches and sport psychologist to determine the pre- game routine, the sequence and times of the routine.
2. Outline the important elements e.g. warm up.
3. Remember all players are individual and might want their own pre game routine.
4. Make sure the routine is adhered too at all time.
5. The planners of the routine must have a back-up plan
6. Work backwards from kick off time
Developing a Pre-game routine can
Ø Help you focus
Ø Illicit optimum
performance
Ø Bring consistent to your
game.
Ø Get you ready for battle
Outline of Pre performance routine
24 hours before a game
Day before = PETTLEP imagery of skills have been constantly practiced in training.