How to Mentally Prepare for a Big Hockey Game

Athletes of all kinds train hard physically for their competitions, hockey being just one of them. What many forget is that mental preparation for a big game is equally as important as the physical preparations. Have a focused and centered mental state before a big game to achieve maximum performance. Use some time-honored techniques employed by professional athletes to gain the needed mental edge prior to the big hockey game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Visualize what your goals are for the game. For example, if you play defense, picture who your main opponent will be from the other team and how your game play will interact your teammates' play. Take a few personal moments before the start of the game, and after you have suited up, to sit and think about your game performance.

    • 2

      Anticipate the worst. By imaging goofing a play, you come to terms with the potential of making a mistake and how you will react. Think of your strategy to recover from any potential on-ice gaffe and the steps you can take to bring the game back to your favor.

    • 3

      Get plenty of sleep the night before the game. If you have a family, spend the evening playing games or sharing a meal and movie at home. Put the game aside for a few hours and relax the body and mind. About an hour or two before going to bed, take a hot bath. The hot water will help relax the body and the mind.

    • 4

      Have a meal of "comfort" food that is healthy and productive for your game performance. Food plays a crucial role in human psychology. Have a meal of food that brings you to your comfort zone. Obviously, this should not include high fat or high sugar content. Rather, concentrate on those foods you enjoy and those that stimulate good memories.

    • 5

      Identify what the external obstacles and internal obstacles will be during the game. If you have been beaten by a certain member of the other team all season, identify where the problems rest and think of solutions of how to beat that opponent. Identify what your internal struggles are. If you feel inadequate with slap shots, concentrate on how you will use strong wrist shots instead.