Many athletes have special habits or superstitions before sporting events, but is this mental preparation, or is it actually influencing their play? Pregame routines have quietly become important tools for athletes across all sports.
Hockey player Beck Shoeppner said superstition for him is, “Mostly little things like if we do a warm-up in one spot and win, we should do that again.”
He said that these habits give him a bit of consistency before heading onto the ice.
Schoeppner said, “If I do my tape a certain way and we win, I’m going to do it again,” noting that these patterns help his mindset more than anything else.
He believes that sticking to what works keeps him prepared and ready for games.
Not everyone approaches preparation the same way, yet the goal is similar. feeling ready before competition.
“I do a quick prayer, or imagine myself putting the ball into the back of the net,” said first-year debater Yodahe Negash.
He said this helps keep him mentally prepared and focused before debate tournaments.
Most pre-game sports superstitions can be little things like prayer.
“Especially before lacrosse games, I like to listen to music with my headphones.” Said first-year student Charlie Owens. lf mentally prepared by getting in the right mindset before games.
“I usually have a good meal beforehand,” he added.
These habits help him stay steady and grounded and ready before sporting events.
Some athletes, like first-year August Anderson, believe that getting themselves ready can help them play at their highest level.
“Yeah I feel like an animal out there after my pregame warm-up,” adding that before games he “does a few rounds on the boxing bag, some pushups till failure, and listens to some music.”
He believes that this allows him to perform the way he wants to.
For athletes like Beck, Yodahe, Charlie, and August, pre-competition habits aren’t just luck. They’re about getting themselves ready to perform at their highest level. Whether it’s a specific warm-up or a moment of visualisation, these small actions help them focus and step into their sport with confidence.