My most recent blog for Homegrown Lacrosse.
While each athlete has their own way of preparing for competition, I feel as if I have a fairly distinct and habitual plan for “getting my head into the game.” I am sometimes baffled at what I see some of my teammates doing or even more interestingly, eating before a game. For example, while this may be a little too personal but I’m not naming any names here: some of the guys don’t even wear compression shorts in games—just straight up boxers. But then again, we each have our own rituals and quirks about our preparation tendencies. Therefore, I thought I’d share with you some of my habits, tendencies and superstitions that I engage in including those from a few days before to the minutes leading up to game time.
I don’t know if I’d call it a fear, but definitely an anxiety, but I always make sure I am not “cold” before a game, more specifically anytime after we arrive at the field to right before we start warm-ups. While some of the guys show up in a t-shirt, shorts and their warm-up jackets, I come to the field in a sweatshirt, jacket, sweatpants, wool socks, hat and gloves anytime there is even a remote chance that I could lose feeling in my hands or toes. I guess I just find it extremely difficult to deal with getting warm once I’m cold—maybe it’s bad circulation. I wear all of this attire right up to the point where we start warm-ups, receiving ridicule the whole time from the team.
At least four or five days before each game, I start a “healthy food” binge. I am constantly chugging water, eating a ton of fruit and vegetables as well as doing the basic “carbo-load” regimen. Semi-related to this, I make sure I stay active even the day before the game—usually go out for a three or four mile jog just to stay loose. Again, maybe I’d call it a little obsessive compulsive. This all comes to an end once I feel as if I can’t prepare anymore, whether it is physical, mental or emotional preparation, I drop the guidelines the night before the game and treat myself to a scoop or two of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. This doesn't fail, do it before every game, always Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
In preparation on game day, I always eat a big breakfast—usually a muffin, a bowl of cereal, maybe some cottage cheese or yogurt, and a lot of water. I know this seems pretty standard but I have an unusual amount of anxiety associated with my pregame preparation. Like seriously, I get really nervous about my food selection. While getting dressed, I always put my left cleat on, then my right, then tie my left, and then tie my right. I actually think to myself that there is an association between how I dress myself and how I will play that day: you read a book a left to right, do things in order and in a complete fashion. I believe this has a direct correlation with making the right decisions on the field.
I mostly always get my stick checked prior to starting the game, just to make sure, even if I know I’m “legal.” I always shower prior to leaving for the field, even if the game is early. I pack my bag very intricately, while I pack it the complete opposite way when going to practice. Gloves neatly inside helmet, always at the bottom of the bag. Elbow pads together. Shoulder pads wrapped up. Shooter folded, cleats together, and the tube of my socks in one another. I fold my jerseys and shorts before I put them in my bag. I usually always eat an apple or orange at halftime. Last but not least, especially on game days prior to the game, I always complete little tasks, even menial ones, as best as I can. I don’t want the feeling of, “Oh, well maybe if I would’ve completely shut the cupboard door, I would’ve scored another goal.” Maybe I think too much…
