[hlnx1]

Many athletes have a routine before a serve, a free throw, a kick or a race start. Research suggests well-designed routines can help focus and consistency, especially in closed skills.

What a useful routine tends to include:

• A consistent sequence that takes a similar amount of time
• A moment to settle physically, often a breath
• A clear focus or cue for the action, rather than thoughts about the outcome
• Enough flexibility that it does not fall apart when something unexpected happens

Detailed article: pre-match routines.

Do you have a routine before your key moments, and has it changed over time?

[hlnx1]

The difference from superstition: a routine has a purpose (settling, focusing, preparing the movement), while superstition is about luck. Lucky socks are harmless until they are missing and you feel you cannot perform without them.

Check whether each step of your routine does a job. If not, it may be worth dropping.

[Author]

Posts